PALOU RETURNS TO VICTORY IN ST. PETERSBURG
- Cavalieri Garage Magazine
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The 2026 season of the NTT IndyCar Series opens under the banner of Alex Palou. The Spaniard dominates the St. Petersburg opener and kicks off the championship with an authoritative victory, repeating the success he achieved on the same street circuit twelve months ago.
Behind the wheel of the No. 10 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou controlled the race for more than half the distance, securing the 20th win of his career, further cementing his status as the benchmark of the series.
At the green flag, Scott McLaughlin (Penske No. 3) jumped into the lead and managed the opening laps with precision ahead of Marcus Ericsson (Andretti No. 28) and Palou.
The race was quickly neutralized following an incident involving rookie Mick Schumacher. The RLL driver was taken out in Turn 4 along with Santino Ferrucci after a braking mistake by Sting Ray Robb. An episode that immediately shook up the race and reshuffled the strategic outlook.
On the restart, McLaughlin maintained control, but the race was ultimately decided on pit road. Notably, Alexander Rossi and Scott Dixon opted for an early stop to try an alternate strategy.
A new 2026 regulation requires drivers on street circuits to complete two stints on the softer tire compound, and this rule played a crucial role in shaping the race strategy.
The turning point came during the first pit cycle: Palou capitalized on the battle between McLaughlin and Ericsson to seize the virtual lead, just moments before a Safety Car was deployed to remove Dixon’s stranded car after a loose right-rear wheel forced him to stop in the Turn 4 runoff.
At the restart, Palou shifted into another gear. The Spanish champion’s pace proved untouchable, while the fight intensified behind him.
McLaughlin attempted a late charge on the softer tires and overtook Ericsson, but he then had to fend off a strong attack from Kyle Kirkwood. The two engaged in a fierce battle in the closing laps as Palou calmly managed his advantage up front.
In the final laps, McLaughlin reclaimed position from Kirkwood to secure second place. Christian Lundgaard capitalized to place the No. 7 McLaren on the third step of the podium.
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