Alex Palou has once again demonstrated his exceptional talent and dominance in the 2025 IndyCar season by securing his second consecutive pole position at the Sonsio Grand Prix qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) road course. The reigning three-time IndyCar champion set a blistering lap time that was more than four-tenths of a second faster than his closest competitor, Graham Rahal, underscoring his superior pace and control.
Following his first pole position of the season at Barber Motorsports Park on May 3, Palou has now doubled down with this impressive qualifying performance at Indianapolis. This achievement adds to his already remarkable record this season, where he has claimed victory in three of the first four races, solidifying his status as the championship leader and a dominant force in the series.
Palou shared his thoughts on the performance after qualifying, attributing part of his success to a strategic tire advantage. He noted that while some competitors used their new soft tires in the first qualifying round, his team saved theirs for the final round, giving him a crucial edge. He praised the #10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing car for being “super fast all season” and described its performance during qualifying as “on fire”.
The qualifying session saw strong competition from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR), with Graham Rahal, rookie Louis Foster, and Devlin DeFrancesco all qualifying in the top five. Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden also made it into the Firestone Fast 6, highlighting the depth of talent in the field. Despite this, Palou’s lap time of 1:09.3417, averaging 126.625 mph, was unmatched, demonstrating his and his team’s exceptional preparation and execution.
Fans and commentators have been quick to praise Palou’s performance, with many calling him “absolutely insane” and even the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) in IndyCar racing due to his consistent dominance. Some fans have expressed that his level of superiority is making the season less competitive, while others admire his skill and potential to elevate IndyCar’s profile globally.
Looking ahead, Palou aims to continue his winning streak, with the iconic Indianapolis 500 scheduled for later in May being his primary target. Despite his success on road and street courses, Palou has yet to claim a victory on an oval track, including the Indy 500, which is considered a critical milestone for any driver aspiring to be regarded as one of the greatest in IndyCar history. His performance this season suggests he is well-positioned to challenge for that elusive win and potentially secure a fourth consecutive championship title, a feat achieved by very few in the sport’s history.
In summary, Alex Palou’s second consecutive pole position at the Sonsio Grand Prix highlights his extraordinary form and the strength of Chip Ganassi Racing in the 2025 IndyCar season. With his combination of speed, strategy, and consistency, Palou is not only the driver to beat this year but also a strong candidate to cement his legacy among the all-time greats in IndyCar racing.
