P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alex Palou will become the 2025 IndyCar world champion after Pato O’Ward has faced engine issues in Portland.
Alex Palou was named the 2025 IndyCar champion at the Grand Prix of Portland, securing his fourth championship victory, putting him as the fifth most accoladed driver in the series.
Palou’s eventual win to Milwaukee in two weeks’ time was almost stalled by Pato O’Ward, who faced an engine issue during the Portland race, dropping down the field and eventually finishing ten laps down from the lead car.
Despite facing a potential retirement due to an engine problem, Palou maintained his lead and clinched the championship title.
Palou attempted a bold move for second place in the closing laps but was pushed off the track by Christian Lundgaard, ultimately settling for third place at Portland.
Palou celebrated with donuts at the first corner and expressed gratitude to his team, partners, and fans for their support throughout the season.
Marking a significant achievement, Palou became the first driver since Dario Franchitti in 2010 to win both the IndyCar championship and the Indy 500 in the same year, ending the longest gap in the series’ history.
