Alex Palou put his name among the greats in IndyCar as he secured his third title in four years at the Music City Grand Prix.
The Spaniard has established himself as a top competitor in the IndyCar series and a fierce rival whose consistency shines through on his way to the title.
Consistency is precisely what got Palou the 2024 championship, finishing in the top 10 in all but four races, securing six podiums and two wins – not including the non-championship $1 million challenge.
At just 27, Palou joins the likes of Rick Mears, Al Unser, Mario Andretti and Scott Dixon who have all at least won three IndyCar titles. The Spaniard also becomes the first driver to win the championship in back-to-back seasons since Dario Franchitti in 2009-2011.
The 2024 season went down to the final race at Nashville Superspeedway, but misfortune for his closest rival Will Power allowed Palou to finish 11th after a grid penalty in qualifying to claim the title.
Alex Palou lauds Colton Herta’s ‘very impressive’ 2024 season
Despite Palou’s success over the last four years, the Spaniard is still yet to win on an oval course. But at the Music City Grand Prix, one other driver broke his winless streak on ovals.
READ MORE: Chip Ganassi explains whether he thinks Alex Palou is now among IndyCar’s greatest-ever drivers
Colton Herta beat Pato O’Ward to claim victory in Nashville and secured his first oval victory of his career. By doing so, the 24-year-old propelled himself past Penske drivers Scott McLaughlin and Power to finish second in the standings.
The 2024 campaign marks Herta’s best finish and points total yet and he becomes the highest scoring Andretti driver in the modern era since Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2012.
Speaking with Sky Sports the day after his IndyCar triumph, Palou lauded his ‘good friend’ for his performance and expressed his excitement to race alongside him in the coming years.
“I would say that Colton and Andretti have been very impressive this year, in the way that they both upped their game, both the team and himself as a driver,” he said.
“So, it’s fun to see. [I’m] really good friends with Colton. He’s an amazing competitor that just gives 100% every time.
“I was actually very happy to see him win yesterday, the race. So yeah, he’ll be tough next year and a couple of years that are coming, but I’m excited for it.”
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Can anyone stop Alex Palou in 2025?
Will Power is the only man to beat Palou in the last four years, making 2025 an exciting year as many drivers will look to dethrone the Spaniard.
Palou is the only Chip Ganassi Racing driver who is currently contracted for the 2025 IndyCar season, but Scott Dixon is also expected to stay. With CGR set to cut their operation down to three cars, Kyffin Simpson, Linus Lundqvist and Marcus Armstrong will be fighting for the last seat.
Andretti are retaining Herta, Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson for 2025. Herta has a deal that runs until 2027 as he looks to go one better next season.
Penske will also be retaining Power, McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden as they boast one of the strongest established line-ups in the series next year.