Álex Palou is the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series champion, securing his fifth career championship and fourth consecutive title. The championship was clinched after the Milwaukee weekend, with Palou’s points advantage becoming mathematically insurmountable for Kyle Kirkwood.
Palou makes history
Palou’s latest championship puts him in elite company. He now has five IndyCar titles, moving closer to the record six won by Scott Dixon and seven by A.J. Foyt. His run of four straight championships from 2023 through 2026 is one of the most dominant stretches in modern IndyCar history.
Milwaukee decides the championship
Palou entered the final Milwaukee races with a substantial lead over Kyle Kirkwood. After a rain-affected weekend and multiple strategic challenges, Palou did enough to preserve his advantage. Kirkwood ultimately could not produce the results required to keep the championship alive.
2026 championship picture
Champion: Álex Palou — Chip Ganassi Racing
Runner-up: Kyle Kirkwood
Palou championships: 5
Consecutive titles: 4
Team: Chip Ganassi Racing
Key achievement: Palou joins the five-time champion club.
Season highlight
Palou’s six victories during the 2026 season were a major factor in his championship run. He won at Nashville and Portland among other events, repeatedly responding whenever his rivals threatened to close the gap.
Overall: Palou’s 2026 campaign was another demonstration of consistency, racecraft and championship management. At just 29, he is now firmly established among IndyCar’s all-time greats.
