Palou Opens 2026 IndyCar Season with Statement Win in St. Petersburg

Alex Palou picked up right where he left off. The reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion opened the 2026 season with a commanding victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking his second straight win at the Florida street circuit .

Driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Palou delivered a composed and clinical performance over 100 laps, securing his 20th career IndyCar victory in just 99 starts . After an eight-win 2025 season that included triumphs at St. Pete and the Indianapolis 500, the Spaniard appears firmly on course to chase a fifth series title.

Honda power was a major storyline throughout the race weekend. Kyle Kirkwood thrilled his home crowd by charging from 15th on the grid to finish fourth for Andretti Global . Marcus Ericsson, Romain Grosjean, and rookie Dennis Hauger also placed Honda cars inside the top 10, underscoring the manufacturer’s early-season strength .

With momentum firmly on his side, Palou now heads to Phoenix for the next round. If St. Petersburg was any indication, 2026 could once again run through the No. 10 Honda.