The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach witnessed a Honda triumvirate on the podium, with Alex Palou leading the charge. However, Palou’s victory was not the usual dominant performance fans are accustomed to seeing from the reigning IndyCar Series champion. Instead, he had to chase pole-sitter Felix Rosenqvist for the majority of the race until a crucial pit stop allowed him to snatch the lead. Palou ultimately clinched his third win of the season, marking his first triumph at the 1.968-mile temporary street circuit and reclaiming the championship lead from Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood.
Let’s dive into the highlights and disappointments from the fifth round of the 2026 season. The standout winner of the event was the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing pit crew, whose swift and efficient work during Palou’s final pit stop played a pivotal role in securing his victory. On the flip side, the race left much to be desired for viewers and participants alike, with limited on-track action and minimal overtaking opportunities raising concerns about the overall spectacle. Despite the lackluster race, Felix Rosenqvist emerged as a winner in his own right, securing a runner-up finish and revitalizing his season after a string of underwhelming results.
One of the losers from the event was Josef Newgarden, whose aggressive three-stop strategy failed to pay off due to an early setback that hampered his performance. Although Newgarden showcased some impressive driving skills, his efforts were ultimately thwarted by external factors, relegating him to a disappointing 14th place finish. In the end, the Grand Prix of Long Beach served as a mixed bag of results, highlighting the highs and lows of competitive racing in the IndyCar Series.
