IndyCar star Pato O’Ward has voiced his frustrations over the contentious conclusion of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, following Alex Palou’s dramatic victory. The race, which concluded with Palou overtaking Marcus Ericsson on the final lap, left O’Ward particularly critical of the lack of fight from Ericsson. O’Ward, who finished in fourth place, was visibly disappointed with how the race unfolded, especially in the closing stages.
O’Ward’s comments were directed at both the performance of Ericsson and the overall restart strategies during the race. He called the restarts chaotic and lacking in experience, describing them as ‘not of the level we should be seeing at the Indy 500.’ O’Ward felt that the unpredictability of the restarts left drivers relying on luck rather than skill, making the race feel more like a game of chance than a test of skill and strategy.
The race itself was marked by a series of dramatic moments, including a crash by Marco Andretti on the first green-flag lap, and a significant number of lead changes among 14 drivers. Despite the challenges, Palou managed to take the lead and maintain it through the final stages, securing his first win in the Indy 500. The win was celebrated by Palou and his team, though the circumstances of the finish sparked debate among drivers and fans alike.
While O’Ward’s comments may have been directed at specific moments in the race, they reflect broader concerns about the strategic and competitive aspects of the Indy 500. The race’s high-profile nature means that any perceived shortcomings in its execution could have long-term implications for the sport’s reputation and fan engagement. O’Ward’s frustration highlights the intense pressures faced by drivers and teams in such a prestigious event, where even the smallest mistakes can have significant consequences.