Alex Palou Secures Fifth IndyCar Title, Honda Claims Championship

Alex Palou secured his fifth NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship today at the Milwaukee Mile, driving a Honda-powered entry for Chip Ganassi Racing. This victory marks Palou's fourth consecutive title and his fifth in six years, further cementing his position as a leading figure in American open-wheel racing. The achievement also contributes to Honda's 22nd drivers' championship in the series, showcasing a dominant season for both driver and manufacturer.

Palou's Historic Season Performance

Palou's 2026 championship places him third on the all-time list for NTT INDYCAR SERIES titles, behind only Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon, who holds six, and legendary driver A.J. Foyt with seven. His dominant season included eight pole positions, with an impressive streak of five consecutive poles, and six race victories. These wins were achieved at diverse tracks including St. Petersburg, Barber Motorsports Park, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Detroit, Nashville, and Portland. Palou is now only the second driver in IndyCar history to win four consecutive championships, demonstrating a remarkable level of consistency and performance throughout the season.

Honda's Continued Championship Success

The 2026 season also saw Honda clinch its eighth manufacturers' championship in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its twelfth overall in American Open Wheel competition. This manufacturers' title was secured at the Milwaukee Mile, marking a successful season for the engine supplier. Honda's previous manufacturers' championships in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES include 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, a four-year run from 2018 to 2021, and 2025. Across the entire 2026 season, Honda-powered cars collectively earned 10 victories, five podium sweeps, and 13 pole positions. A total of 13 out of 15 Honda-powered entries contributed points towards the manufacturers' championship standings, underscoring the widespread competitiveness of their engine package.

Additional Achievements and Future Outlook

Beyond the drivers' and manufacturers' titles, Honda also celebrated its 17th Indianapolis 500 victory this year, with Felix Rosenqvist taking the win in what was described as the closest finish in the race's 110-year history. The manufacturer is also currently vying for the Rookie of the Year title, with Dennis Hauger leading the standings ahead of fellow Honda-powered driver Mick Schumacher, with one race remaining in the season. These results collectively highlight Honda's consistent performance and strong competitive standing across multiple facets of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season concludes with significant achievements for Honda and its drivers. Alex Palou's fifth championship, combined with Honda's manufacturers' title and other race victories, highlights the manufacturer's strong presence and competitive engineering in American open-wheel racing. This season's results reinforce Honda's legacy in open-wheel motorsport.