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Alex Palou gave major props to the Chip Ganassi Racing team for giving him the best car in the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, but admits he felt his pit strategy was “risky” and that he should h…
Alex Palou praised the Chip Ganassi Racing team for providing him with a top-performing car in the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, but admitted he found his pit strategy risky and felt he should have done better in the initial stint. Despite starting from pole position using two sets of red tires, he lost the lead to Kyle Kirkwood’s Andretti Autosport Honda at Turn 2, lap 1. Even though Palou managed to overtake Kirkwood after pit stops, he had to fend off challenges from Alexander Rossi and his softer-tire-wearing rivals. The team opted for a bold strategy, keeping Palou out during the first caution on lap 36, while his main competitors pitted for a second time. Despite initial doubts, Palou’s faith in strategist Barry Wanser paid off, securing his 11th IndyCar victory with a risky yet successful race plan. Palou acknowledged the fine line between taking calculated risks and potential pitfalls, but ultimately trusted in his team’s decision-making and driving abilities, delivering a compelling performance at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.
