The NTT IndyCar Series has another dynasty, one that goes by the name of Alex Palou.
The Spaniard clinched his fourth title on Sunday afternoon by posting a third-place finish in the Grand Prix of Portland. He scored his series-leading 12th top-five finish and built his lead over Pato O'Ward. This podium finish clinched the title with two races remaining in the season.
ALEX PALOU CLINCHES THE 2025 INDYCAR CHAMPIONSHIP! pic.twitter.com/SfRfEqiJ2b
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) August 10, 2025
Palou joined an elite list by clinching his third consecutive IndyCar title and his fourth in five seasons. He is now the fourth driver in series history to achieve this feat. He joins AJ Foyt, Sebastien Bourdais, and Dario Franchitti.
Palou also became the first driver since Franchitti in 2010 to win the Indianapolis 500 and the championship in the same season.
"I couldn't be happier right now," Palou said after doing a massive burnout. "This has been an amazing season, an amazing five years with CGR (Chip Ganassi Racing).
"I have no words to describe how grateful I am to everybody at CGR, especially Chip (Ganassi), our partners, and all our fans. All our fans that have been supporting us throughout the season for all these seasons. And to everybody that is new, welcome to the ride."
This season has featured outright dominance by the Chip Ganassi Racing driver. The 28-year-old Palou won five of the first six races this season, including the Indianapolis 500.
The lone exception was Long Beach when Kyle Kirkwood took the victory. Palou finished second that day. The Spaniard then added three more wins -- Road America in June, Iowa Speedway in July, and Laguna Seca in July.
According to Fox Sports, no driver had clinched the IndyCar championship before the final race in 17 consecutive seasons (2006-2022). Palou has done so twice (2023, 2025).
Only two drivers have won more IndyCar titles than Palou, who has eight wins this season. Foyt won seven while becoming a racing icon. Scott Dixon, who is third in the championship standings this season, has six titles on his resume.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver will have an opportunity to tie his teammate, Dixon, next season. For now, he will close out the IndyCar season with two more races. If he wins both, he will tie the single-season wins record. Foyt (1964) and Al Unser (1970) hold this record with 10 wins in a season.