In one of the most breathtaking finishes in the 110-year history of the Indianapolis 500, Felix Rosenqvist passed David Malukas coming out of Turn 4 on the final lap to win the 2026 Indy 500 by just 0.0233 seconds — the closest margin of victory in the race’s history. The 34-year-old Swede, driving the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, denied Malukas what would have been a maiden victory in a wheel-to-wheel sprint that will be replayed for decades.
The Final Lap — A Race for the Ages
The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 was defined by drama from start to finish. A record 70 lead changes set a new all-time mark, surpassing the 68 recorded in 2013. The race was red-flagged with eight laps remaining when Caio Collet’s No. 4 car caught fire after hitting the wall, bringing the field to pit lane and setting up a green-flag sprint to the checkered flag.
Marcus Armstrong led the restart but David Malukas — driving the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet — swept to the front in the first corner. As the cars thundered down the front straight for the final time, Rosenqvist found a slipstream and dove to the inside, crossing the line by half a car length in a finish so close that photographers at the yard of bricks couldn’t determine the winner until officials reviewed timing data.
“I have been waiting my whole life for this moment. This is the greatest race in the world and today I proved I belong here.” — Felix Rosenqvist, 2026 Indianapolis 500 Winner
Full 2026 Indianapolis 500 Results — Top 10
- 1st: Felix Rosenqvist — Meyer Shank Racing (Honda)
- 2nd: David Malukas — Team Penske (Chevrolet) — +0.0233s
- 3rd: Scott McLaughlin — Team Penske (Chevrolet)
- 4th: Pato O’Ward — Arrow McLaren (Chevrolet)
- 5th: Marcus Armstrong — Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda)
- 6th: Mick Schumacher — Andretti Global (Honda)
- 7th: Álex Palou — Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda) — pole sitter, led 59 laps
- 8th: Kyle Kirkwood — Andretti Global (Honda)
- 9th: Romain Grosjean — Dale Coyne Racing (Honda)
- 10th: Simon Pagenaud — Meyer Shank Racing (Honda)
Rosenqvist’s Road to Victory
The victory is Rosenqvist’s second IndyCar win, following his 2020 triumph at Road America. He came agonizingly close to winning the Indy 500 in 2022 before a late mechanical issue ended his challenge. This time, his Meyer Shank Racing crew executed a flawless fuel strategy and called the aggressive one-stop play in the final quarter of the race that put him in position to challenge.
Malukas Heartbreak — So Close to History
For David Malukas, the result was gut-wrenching. The 24-year-old American had led three times in the final 25 laps and appeared to have the race won coming off the final corner. His Team Penske Chevrolet had the stronger car all afternoon — Penske entries led 87 laps combined — but Rosenqvist’s Honda found a final gear that Malukas simply couldn’t match at the line.
What This Means for the 2026 IndyCar Championship
With seven rounds now complete in the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season, Rosenqvist’s 50-point haul for the Indy 500 win catapults him into championship contention. Palou — the three-time defending series champion — still leads the standings, but Rosenqvist is now within striking distance. The series continues next Sunday at the Streets of Detroit.
How to Watch IndyCar — Rest of 2026 Season
- All races broadcast live on Fox Sports / Fox One
- Streaming via Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) for all IndyCar events
- Free streaming on the INDYCAR app for select races
- Next race: Streets of Detroit — May 31, 2026 at 12:30 PM ET
