Alex Palou’s opening weekend of the IndyCar season ended in frustration after a single lap in the lead at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. The four-time series champion started from pole but lost track position during his first pit stop on lap 36 of 147, striking a right-rear tyre that sidelined his race.
The incident left Palou 22nd on the track, a sharp contrast to his dominant pace earlier in the event. His early exit followed a ceremonial green flag waved by President Donald Trump, marking the only time he led the race.
The setback marks a rocky start for Palou, who enters the season as the defending champion. His team will now focus on addressing pit-stop execution ahead of the next round.
