INDYCAR: PALOU DOES IT AGAIN, EDGES OUT MCLAREN AT THERMAL CLUB

Defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou clinched victory in the second round of the 2025 season at the Thermal Club, showcasing absolute dominance on the Californian circuit. After winning on this track in last year's non-championship race, the Spaniard repeated his success just three weeks after his triumph in St. Petersburg, reaffirming his status as the man to beat.

Disappointment for the Arrow McLaren team, which had high hopes after locking out the front row in qualifying. The race seemed to be in Patricio O’Ward’s hands until the final pit stop, when Chip Ganassi Racing opted for an aggressive strategy by fitting soft tires on Palou’s Dallara. A risky move, but ultimately a winning one: with flawless tire management, the Catalan first overtook Christian Lundgaard and then caught and passed O’Ward, extending his lead all the way to the checkered flag.

McLaren’s hopes of replicating its Formula 1 success in Shanghai were dashed, and the team had to settle for a double podium with O’Ward and Lundgaard. Both drivers had a straightforward race but were simply no match for Chip Ganassi Racing’s masterful strategy.

Just off the podium, Colton Herta defended his fourth-place starting position with determination. Despite tire degradation causing issues for many drivers, the reigning vice-champion capitalized on Kyle Kirkwood’s struggles, as the latter slipped down to eighth. Felix Rosenqvist finished fifth as the top Meyer Shank Racing driver, followed by an outstanding Will Power. The two-time IndyCar champion started from 21st after a disastrous qualifying session for Team Penske but turned his race into a strategic masterpiece, gaining an impressive fifteen positions.

Behind him, Marcus Armstrong secured a solid seventh place for Meyer Shank Racing, followed by Kirkwood and Alexander Rossi. The latter showed great pace throughout the race but suffered a sharp decline in the final stint due to excessive tire wear. Rounding out the top ten was veteran Scott Dixon.

It was a tough weekend for the Prema team, with Robert Shwartzman finishing 22nd and Callum Ilott 26th. Despite the result, the Russian driver can see the silver lining: on an unfamiliar track and after a weekend plagued by challenges, he managed to reach the finish line and claim the title of best rookie of the day. A different story for Ilott, who had an uphill battle after an early collision forced him to pit for a front wing replacement.

With this victory, Palou strengthens his lead in the championship and sends a clear message to his rivals: he remains the man to beat in the 2025 title race.

© Cavalieri Garage & Co.