The Team Penske Indy 500 violations controversy, sparked by a breach of Rule 14.7.8.16 concerning modified attenuators, has generated widespread discussion as the racing world prepares for the iconic event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Amid the ongoing debate, former Formula 1 journalist and current IndyCar expert Will Buxton has publicly recognized Dale Coyne Racing driver Jacob Abel for his principled stance during this contentious period.
Jacob Abel, who piloted the #51 car for Dale Coyne Racing, was unable to secure a spot in last week’s Indy 500 qualifying session. In the wake of Team Penske being found guilty of using an illegal car, a number of voices within the community have suggested that Abel should be granted entry to the event. However, in a recent interview, the 24-year-old driver made it clear that, despite the controversy, he does not wish to participate in the race due to the actions of others.
“I don’t want to be there on a technicality. I wanna deserve to be there and we had our chance just like every other car did,”
Abel said via IndyCar on FOX. —Jacob Abel, Driver
This clear and mature perspective from Abel has drawn admiration from Will Buxton, who took to social media to share his thoughts about the young driver’s character. Buxton’s response further fueled conversations around ethics and sportsmanship during high-stakes motorsport events.
“So impressed with this young man’s maturity and perspective,”
Buxton wrote. —Will Buxton, Motorsport Commentator
The renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the much-anticipated 2025 Indy 500 on May 25, as teams and drivers from across America’s premier open-wheel championship look to make their mark.
Will Buxton Recognizes Robert Shwartzman’s Breakthrough Performance
In addition to Jacob Abel’s ethical stance amid the Team Penske Indy 500 violations controversy, Will Buxton has also praised Robert Shwartzman, a rookie driver for Prema Racing, for his remarkable qualifying effort. Shwartzman, who had not managed top results in the season’s early races, secured an unexpected pole position during the final qualifying session, surpassing experienced competitors such as Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward.
After witnessing Shwartzman’s achievement, Buxton shared his appreciation for the driver’s determination and composure under pressure, especially given the added challenge of having no backup car available. His comments captured the high degree of difficulty Shwartzman faced during qualifying.
“Just had some amazing and insightful time with Indy 500 pole sitter Robert Shwartzman. Incredibly, he has no backup car. Every lap, every run on the limit, set in the full knowledge he can’t afford to wreck. And yet… AND YET… no hint of hesitation.”
—Will Buxton, Motorsport Commentator
At just 25 years old and in his rookie season, Shwartzman’s standout performance surprised fans and analysts alike, as no one expected him to post such fast qualifying laps on the demanding oval. His success in qualifying has intensified curiosity and anticipation for his efforts in the race itself, particularly as the Prema Racing driver prepares for his debut appearance in the storied Indy 500.
With the race fast approaching, much attention will focus on how Jacob Abel and Robert Shwartzman respond to scrutiny and opportunity alike. Their stories emphasize the pressures, principles, and potentials that define both the spirit and drama of the Team Penske Indy 500 violations controversy in IndyCar’s top-tier competition.
