Rosenqvist claims historic Indy 500 victory in record-breaking finish
The 2026 Indianapolis 500 concluded with the narrowest margin in the event's history, as Felix Rosenqvist executed a decisive last-lap pass during a green-white-checkered restart.
Felix Rosenqvist has secured victory in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, finishing 0.0233 seconds ahead of David Malukas. The result marks the narrowest margin of victory ever recorded at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, concluding a race that extended into a green-white-checkered restart. Rosenqvist, who drives for Meyer Shank Racing, executed a last-lap pass to secure the win, establishing a new benchmark for competitive closeness in the event's history.
The decisive moment unfolded during the final lap shootout, with Rosenqvist restarting in third position. He was sandwiched between his Meyer Shank Racing teammate Marcus Armstrong and Malukas, who drove for Team Penske. Rosenqvist immediately engaged side-by-side with Armstrong, committing to the high side of the speedway as they entered the short chute between Turns 3 and 4. This strategic positioning allowed him to edge ahead at the line, overtaking Malukas in what was described as a dramatic photo finish.
Prior to the race, Rosenqvist had demonstrated significant pace during the qualifying week, posting the fastest four-lap average. He ultimately started fourth on the grid in the No. 60 Honda. Throughout the race, the car exhibited race-winning speed, though the final lap required a level of commitment that Rosenqvist noted was rare for him at the Indianapolis circuit. He later stated that the move felt like muscle memory, reflecting a long-held vision of how he imagined the finish would unfold.
The victory represents a significant milestone for both the driver and his team. It is Rosenqvist’s second career IndyCar win, his first since claiming victory at Road America in 2020. For Meyer Shank Racing, the result stands as one of the most significant achievements in the team’s history, capping a season that has shown consistent flashes of speed.
The 34-year-old driver acknowledged the intensity of the final lap, noting that he had rarely gone flat around the outside for an entire lap at Indianapolis before. The win cements the 2026 Indianapolis 500 as one of the most memorable finishes in the event's history, delivering the sport's biggest prize after years of competitive performance without a corresponding result at this specific venue.
