Motorsport TechnologyFelix Rosenqvist created history in the famous Indianapolis 500 by winning the closest race in the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’, beating David Malukas to the flag by less than a car length.
In taking a maiden Indy 500 crown, Rosenqvist became only the third ever Swede to win the race after Kenny Brack in 1999 and Marcus Ericsson in 2022.
As is often the case during the most famous of oval races in single seat racing, the win was never guaranteed up until the final, dramatic conclusion.
Indeed, the race featured no fewer than 70 changes for the lead over its 200 laps, which also set a new record beating the 68 from 2013.
No pinch needed, this was REAL pic.twitter.com/DkVrfu8OjB
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 25, 2026
“Unreal; I still don’t believe it,” Rosenqvist is quoted on the official IndyCar website. “It kind of worked out the right way when I got back to third, and then I just had to flat-out lap on the high line, and it stuck.
“It was just the coolest way you can finish and win an Indy 500.”
For runner-up Malukas, missing out by such a fine margin was a tough one to take. He may never come closer.
“I don’t know what else we could have done,” added Malukas on IndyCar.com. “We were the fastest car that whole race. I gave it 150 percent. I mean, I almost crashed this damn car every lap, and we still ended up with a P2.
“I just can’t believe it. I don’t know what else I can give. So close.
“This place, we’re going to come back and bring it everything. We’re going to give it 160 percent the next time.”
Coming home to complete the podium was Scott McLaughlin in the Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet ahead of Pato O’Ward and Marcus Armstrong.
Victory was made all the sweeter for Rosenqvist as he also became a father for the first time on May 4.
A dream he doesn’t need to wake up from 😅 pic.twitter.com/WmgvOiqS2g
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 24, 2026
“This whole month, becoming a dad and winning the ‘500’. We joked about it in the beginning: ‘Maybe you’ll win the ‘500’ and have a baby.’ It’s just unreal.”
After the most dramatic of Indianapolis 500 races, it all means that Alex Paloiu still holds a healthy 37-point lead in the standings over Malukas with Kyle Kirkwood only 12 points further adrift.
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