Felix Rosenqvist wins 2026 Indy 500 by record 0.023 seconds

Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist captured his first Indianapolis 500 victory in the 110th running of the race, edging Team Penske's David Malukas by just 0.0233 seconds – the closest finish in the event’s history. The win came after a dramatic final‑lap showdown that featured a late‑race red flag, a one‑lap shootout and a record 70 lead changes. Rosenqvist, racing for Meyer Shank Racing, timed a side‑draft pass on the outside of the final corner to claim the win, while Malukas was left emotional and tearful in the cockpit.

Pole‑sitter Alex Palou, the 2025 champion, led the most laps but finished seventh after a fuel‑strategy shuffle and expressed frustration on social media. Scott McLaughlin completed the podium in third, Pato O’Ward finished fourth, and Marcus Armstrong rounded out the top five. The event drew an estimated 350,000 spectators and was broadcast live on FOX. WNBA star Caitlin Clark served as Grand Marshal, delivering the traditional “Drivers, to your cars!” command.

The race’s historic margin surpassed the previous record of 0.043 seconds set in 1992, underscoring the unprecedented competitiveness of this year’s IndyCar season.