Jimmie Johnson congratulates Alex Palou after the Spaniard clinched his fourth IndyCar championship in a commanding season with Chip Ganassi Racing, securing the 2025 title at the Grand Prix of Portland. This marks a significant achievement for Palou, who matched legendary drivers in career championships and continued to push the limits of his racing career.
Palou’s Path to a Record-Setting Season
Alex Palou began the 2025 season as the defending champion and wasted no time showcasing his dominance, opening with a victory at St. Pete. He accumulated eight wins before the Grand Prix of Portland, including a major triumph at the Indy 500. Entering the race in Portland, Palou needed to maintain at least a 107-point lead over his closest rival, Pato O’Ward, to secure the championship, a margin he managed to uphold with precision and consistency.
With his fourth title, Palou now stands alongside icons Mario Andretti, Sebastian Bourdais, and Dario Franchitti. Only Scott Dixon and AJ Foyt hold more with six and seven championships, respectively. Palou also became just the fourth driver to win three consecutive championships, a testament to both his skill and the strength of Chip Ganassi Racing.
Jimmie Johnson Shares Congratulations and Memories
Jimmie Johnson, a celebrated NASCAR champion who joined Chip Ganassi Racing for IndyCar competition after his full-time NASCAR Cup Series career concluded in 2020, offered a heartfelt message to Palou. The two were teammates when Palou joined CGR in 2021, following his prior stint with Dale Coyne Racing.
Speaking via a video posted on IndyCar’s social channels, Johnson reflected on their shared entry at CGR and the journey since then:
“Alex, congratulations my friend, what a tremendous couple of seasons you’ve had in IndyCar. It’s hard to believe that we came in essentially together at CGR. I’ll never forget walking the track with you at Barber for the first test session, both being new guys at CGR, and watching you excel and accomplish all that you have.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Former NASCAR Champion and CGR Teammate
Johnson continued his tribute, focusing on Palou’s dedication and the bond they formed:
“It’s been great to know you and your family, even your father, who I’m the same age with and you so eloquently pointed out at one point in time. I’m just so happy for you and the success. Clearly you’re talented but what I saw was how dedicated and focused you are to your craft. What you and the team have done is quite impressive. Congratulations, keep it going pal. I’m always here for you,”
added Johnson. —Jimmie Johnson, Former NASCAR Champion and CGR Teammate
Today, Johnson continues his racing journey as a part-time entrant for Legacy Motor Club, an operation he co-owns with Maury Gallagher and Richard Petty. Their continued involvement highlights the strong connections and shared respect among top figures in motorsport.
Teamwork and Reliability Power Palou’s Success
In the Grand Prix of Portland, Palou’s rival Pato O’Ward faced a setback due to an electrical issue, finishing ten laps behind, which ensured Palou’s championship regardless of his own result. Palou completed the race on the podium, expressing admiration for the support that propelled his year.
Asked by FOX about the main influence behind his dominance, Palou credited the unified effort behind the scenes:
“My team, the team I have behind me. Our partners, Honda, have been giving us the power we needed every single weekend. But my team, the car has been unbelievable. Also, today, it’s a shame we couldn’t really end it with another win. But we fought, and I gave it everything we had. I tried everything to overtake Lundgaard but couldn’t make it today.”
—Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Driver
The strong partnership with Honda, the skill of the engineering staff, and teamwork at Chip Ganassi Racing were all instrumental in Palou’s championship campaign, echoing the praise offered by Johnson and further highlighting the organization’s strengths.
Looking Ahead: Chasing Legendary Records
With two races remaining in the 2025 season, Alex Palou has the potential to tie the all-time record for most victories in a single IndyCar season, a benchmark of 10 wins held by AJ Foyt and Al Unser Sr. This target motivates Palou as he aims to further engrave his name in the record books alongside motorsport greats such as Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Mario Andretti, and Sebastian Bourdais.
Jimmie Johnson congratulates Alex Palou not only as a talented driver but also as a leader who inspires through his commitment and performance. As the 2025 IndyCar season draws to its finale, Palou’s accomplishments, the continued drive for excellence at Chip Ganassi Racing, and the camaraderie among legends like Johnson, Maury Gallagher, and Richard Petty, promise heightened anticipation for fans and participants alike.
