Alex Palou clinches fifth IndyCar crown as Pato O’Ward wins Milwaukee

Alex Palou is a five-time IndyCar champion, becoming the youngest in history to achieve the feat, a tenth-place finish in Milwaukee enough to get the job done as his rivals fell by the wayside.

History will record that Pato O’Ward was the winner of both Milwaukee Mile double header races, but it was Palou who took home ultimate series glory and a fourth straight title.

“Incredible,” Palou is quoted on IndyCar.com. “I owe everything to this team. So proud of this team. It is great to have another championship and ready for the next one.

Snap-On Makers and Fixers 250 at the Milwaukee Mile – Credit Joe Skibinski

“I’m very excited for next weekend. My favourite racetrack of the year, repping that beautiful livery in honour of Alex Zanardi.”

Palou’s 20 points in race 2 allied to his fifth place in the opener means he takes an unassailable 100-point lead into the season finale over closest rival Christian Lundgaard.

BREAK OUT THE BROOM! 🧹

IT’S A PATO SWEEP! pic.twitter.com/mj4cc0j4hJ

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) August 30, 2026

Only four points now separate second placed Lundgaard from second placed race finisher Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O’Ward.

“I owe everything to this team!” ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/yhS1gyPFr9

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) August 31, 2026

His accomplishment means that only AJ Foyt (7) and Scott Dixon (6) have more IndyCar Series titles than the Spaniard.

“I’ve dreamed of weekends like this before, having doubleheaders just a couple of times in my career, wishing I wanted to win both of them in a weekend,” said O’Ward.

Pato O’Ward celebrates victory Credit Amber Pietz

“We got to win both in a day. That’s definitely a dream come true for myself and the team.”

Make it 2-for-2 👌 pic.twitter.com/PWy6cTQugZ

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) August 31, 2026

The 2026 NTT IndyCar season concludes with the Mission Grand Prix of Monterey on Sunday 7 September at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.