Rosenqvist Wins Indianapolis 500 in Closest Finish Ever
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026, defeating David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds—the closest finish in the race’s history. The Swede, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, secured his second IndyCar win amid a record 70 lead changes, multiple crashes, and a dramatic last-lap shootout. The event also featured a tribute to late NASCAR champion Kyle Busch and British driver Katherine Legge’s failed attempt at the Indy/Charlotte double.
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Indianapolis 500 Winner Felix Rosenqvist Earns $4 Million From Record $30 Million Purse
The 110th Indianapolis 500 set multiple records, including the largest purse in race history at $30,906,400 and the closest finish ever, with Felix Rosenqvist defeating David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds. Rosenqvist earned a record $4.34 million winner's payout, the largest in Indy 500 history. The race also featured a record 70 lead changes. The total purse nearly matched the Daytona 500's record purse of $31,045,575. Mick Schumacher won Rookie of the Year with a $50,000 bonus. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Indy 500 purse has set a new record, rising from $16 million in 2022 to over $30 million in 2026.
Forbes - BusinessRosenqvist wins Indianapolis 500 in closest finish in race history
Felix Rosenqvist won the Indianapolis 500 by 0.0233 seconds over David Malukas, the closest finish in the race's 108-year history. The 34-year-old Swede drove for Meyer Shank Racing to his second IndyCar win in a race that set a record with 70 lead changes. The chaotic 200-lap event featured multiple crashes and red flags, including a fire from Caio Collet's car on lap 192 and a wall scrape by Mick Schumacher. This led to a one-lap shootout where Malukas passed Marcus Armstrong for the lead before Rosenqvist overtook him at the line. The race also included a tribute lap for NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, who died at 41. British driver Katherine Legge attempted the 'Double Duty' of racing both the Indy500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, but finished last in the Indy500 after a spin-out and placed 31st in the NASCAR event.
BBC SportArmstrong and Malukas Join Elite Group of Drivers Who Lost Indy 500 on Final Lap
The 2026 Indianapolis 500 delivered another dramatic last-lap finish, with Felix Rosenqvist passing both his teammate Marcus Armstrong and Penske's David Malukas to claim his first Indy 500 victory. Malukas led for nearly the entire final lap but was overtaken by Rosenqvist in the final yards, losing by just 0.0233 seconds. Armstrong, who lost the lead on the restart, expressed frustration at being forced to lift to avoid a crash with his teammate. This marks the third time in four years that the Indy 500 has been decided by a last-lap pass, a phenomenon that had only occurred twice before in the race's history (2006 and 2011). Malukas, visibly devastated, vowed to return stronger. The article highlights the growing trend of heartbreak at Indianapolis, comparing this year's finish to Josef Newgarden's back-to-back wins in 2023-2024 and Pato O'Ward's near-misses.
Latest Content - Road & TrackFelix Rosenqvist Wins 2026 Indianapolis 500 in Closest Finish in History
Felix Rosenqvist, a 34-year-old Swedish driver for Meyer Shank Racing, won the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in a dramatic photo finish. Restarting third in a green-white one-lap shootout, Rosenqvist went side-by-side with teammate Marcus Armstrong before overtaking Team Penske's David Malukas. The margin of victory was 0.0233 seconds, the closest in Indy 500 history. Rosenqvist described the final lap as a dream come true, noting his car was 'a rocket' and that he drove flat-out on the high line, a move he called 'unheard of at Indy.' The win is only the second of his IndyCar career, his first since 2020. The race drew 350,000 spectators.
Motorsport.com - All - StoriesPato O'Ward Finishes Fourth in Indy500; Rosenqvist Wins Closest Race in Indianapolis History
The 110th Indianapolis 500 saw Felix Rosenqvist win by a record 0.0233 seconds over David Malukas, the closest finish in race history. Mexican driver Pato O'Ward finished fourth, just 0.4271 seconds behind the winner after 200 laps. The race set a new record with 70 lead changes, surpassing the 2013 mark of 68. It featured nine yellow flags, two red flags, and a rain interruption that altered strategies. O'Ward, starting from sixth, used an aggressive fuel strategy to lead late but was overtaken by Rosenqvist with 15 laps to go. A red flag for Caio Collet's crash with eight laps remaining compacted the field. Scott McLaughlin took third place. The previous closest finish record from 1992 (0.043 seconds) was broken.
El Financiero4 Takeaways From Felix Rosenqvist's Historic Indy 500 Win on Wild Final Lap
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th Indianapolis 500 in the closest finish in race history, edging David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds after a dramatic final lap. Rosenqvist, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, made three bold passes on the last lap—overtaking Pato O'Ward, battling teammate Marcus Armstrong, and side-drafting Malukas at the line. The win was Rosenqvist's second career IndyCar victory and first on an oval. Malukas, who led much of the race, was left in tears, feeling he gave everything. Armstrong expressed frustration for lifting to avoid crashing with his teammate, while O'Ward, a friend of Rosenqvist, congratulated him despite his own disappointment. The race was set up by a late wreck involving Mick Schumacher, forcing a one-lap dash to the finish.
Latest Sports News & Videos from FOX SportsFelix Rosenqvist wins Indianapolis 500 in closest finish ever
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026, in the closest finish in the race's history, edging David Malukas by 0.023 seconds. The 34-year-old Swede, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, earned his first win since 2020 and just his second IndyCar victory. The race featured a record 70 lead changes and a dramatic final lap after multiple cautions and a red flag. Rosenqvist's win came 20 days after he and his wife welcomed their first child. Scott McLaughlin, Pato O'Ward, and Marcus Armstrong rounded out the top five. The race also included a tribute to late NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, who died suddenly at age 41.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or Compromise2026 Indy 500: Examining Closest Finish In Race's History By The Numbers
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th Indianapolis 500 by 0.0233 seconds, the closest finish in the race's history, passing David Malukas after the final turn. The race set a record with 70 lead changes, and 14 different drivers held the lead at some point. Rosenqvist led for 25 laps, while Malukas led for 30. The average speed was 162.021 mph, well below Helio Castroneves' 2021 record. Malukas finished runner-up for the second straight year. INDYCAR also paid tribute to Kyle Busch, who died suddenly, with a special scoring pylon display on Lap 18.
Latest Sports News & Videos from FOX SportsFelix Rosenqvist Wins Closest Indianapolis 500 in History by 23 Thousandths of a Second
Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing won the 110th Indianapolis 500 in the closest finish in the race's history, defeating American David Malukas by just 23 thousandths of a second. The race, held before approximately 350,000 spectators at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featured multiple yellow flags, red flags, and rain delays that reshaped strategies. Rosenqvist, who became a first-time father the same week, executed a dramatic one-lap sprint to victory after a late red flag and final neutralization caused by Mick Schumacher's crash. Malukas had taken the lead entering Turn 3 but was edged at the line. Rosenqvist is the third Swede to win the iconic race, following Marcus Ericsson (2022) and Kenny Brack (1999). The victory marks the second Borg-Warner trophy for Meyer Shank Racing, previously won by Helio Castroneves in 2021.
LA NACIONDavid Malukas in tears after losing Indy 500 by record 0.0233s
David Malukas finished second in the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, losing to Felix Rosenqvist by a record 0.0233 seconds—the closest finish in the race's history. Malukas, a 24-year-old Chicago native driving for Team Penske, led coming off Turn 4 on the final lap but could not hold off Rosenqvist's charge. The result left Malukas in tears, as it marked his second consecutive second-place finish at the Indy 500 (he also finished second in 2025 with AJ Foyt Racing). Malukas expressed deep disappointment, noting he pushed harder than ever before and that the car was the fastest on track. He reflected on his journey, including a wrist injury in 2024 that cost him his ride at Arrow McLaren, and praised Team Penske owner Roger Penske for his support. Malukas now ranks second in the IndyCar championship standings.
Motorsport.com - All - StoriesFelix Rosenqvist Wins Indianapolis 500 by 0.0223 Seconds in Closest Finish Ever
In a historic Indianapolis 500 race, Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist secured victory by the narrowest margin in the event's history, crossing the finish line just 0.0223 seconds ahead of David Malukas. The dramatic late pass on the final lap gave Rosenqvist the win, overtaking Malukas in a photo finish that shattered the previous record for closest finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race, held on May 24, 2026, captivated fans with its breathtaking conclusion, marking a milestone in IndyCar racing history.
Stuff - /Felix Rosenqvist edges David Malukas in closest Indy 500 ever
Felix Rosenqvist won the 2026 Indianapolis 500 in the closest finish in the race's history, beating David Malukas by 0.023 seconds. The 34-year-old Swede made a daring outside pass on the final straightaway to win by half a car-length. It was his second career IndyCar win and first on an oval, coming 20 days after the birth of his daughter Stella. Rosenqvist, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, held off Malukas and his own teammate Marcus Armstrong, who lifted to avoid a crash. Malukas finished runner-up for the second straight year. The race featured two red flag delays, including one for rain and another for a crash by rookie Caio Collet. Helio Castroneves celebrated his first win as a team owner.
Chicago Sun-Times - AllFelix Rosenqvist Wins 2026 Indianapolis 500 by Narrowest Margin in History
Felix Rosenqvist won his first Indianapolis 500 and second IndyCar race on May 24, 2026, by the smallest margin of victory in the event's 110-year history—0.0233 seconds over David Malukas. A late caution for a crash by rookie Caio Collett forced a red flag, setting up a dramatic one-lap shootout after a second yellow for Mick Schumacher. Rosenqvist, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, had led a fuel-saving strategy late in the race, passing Pato O'Ward with 16 laps remaining before the caution erased his advantage. On the final restart, Malukas took the lead, but Rosenqvist gained momentum through the final corners to edge him at the line. Scott McLaughlin finished third, O'Ward fourth, and pole-sitter Alex Palou placed seventh. The previous record margin was 0.043 seconds in 1992.
Latest Content - Road & TrackFelix Rosenqvist Wins Indianapolis 500 in Dramatic Last-Lap Finish
Felix Rosenqvist of Sweden won the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026, edging David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds in a one-lap shootout after a chaotic final eight laps. The 34-year-old Meyer Shank Racing driver earned his second career IndyCar win and first since 2020, delivering the team's second Indy 500 victory after Helio Castroneves' 2021 win. The race featured a record 70 lead changes. Scott McLaughlin, Pato O'Ward, and Marcus Armstrong completed the top five. The finish was set up by multiple incidents including Caio Collet's crash and fire on Lap 192 and Mick Schumacher grazing the wall, leading to a green/white restart. Katherine Legge completed only 18 laps after a spinout before departing to compete in NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 for the Indy/Charlotte double.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseDavid Malukas Emotional After Photo-Finish 2nd Place in Indy 500
David Malukas finished second in the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history on May 24, 2026, losing to Felix Rosenqvist by 0.0233 seconds. Malukas, 24, gave an emotional interview after the race, stating he gave 150 percent and nearly crashed every lap. He led for most of the final lap after passing Marcus Armstrong on the final restart, but Rosenqvist overtook him just before the finish line to give Meyer Shank Racing its second IndyCar win and second Indy 500 victory. Malukas, who made his IndyCar debut in 2022, is still seeking his first series win but demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
Bleacher Report - Front PageRosenqvist wins 2026 Indy 500 in closest-ever finish
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 in the closest finish in the race's history, defeating David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds. The 34-year-old Swede, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, surged from third to first in a one-lap shootout, passing teammate Marcus Armstrong and then Malukas out of Turn 4. Malukas finished second for Team Penske, followed by teammate Scott McLaughlin in third. Pato O'Ward (Arrow McLaren) was fourth, and Armstrong dropped to fifth after leading the restart. The race featured multiple incidents, including crashes involving Ryan Hunter-Reay, Katherine Legge, and Ed Carpenter, as well as mechanical failures for Will Power and Alexander Rossi. Pole-sitter Alex Palou finished seventh.
Autosport.com - All - StoriesFull race results from the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 ended with the closest finish in the race's history, as Felix Rosenqvist defeated David Malukas by just 0.0233 seconds. The race became a one-lap shootout after a late restart, with Rosenqvist overtaking Malukas on the outside at the line. It was Rosenqvist's first Indy 500 win in his eighth start, and the second Indy 500 victory for Meyer Shank Racing, following Helio Castroneves' win in 2021. Scott McLaughlin finished third, followed by Patricio O'Ward and Marcus Armstrong. A record 70 lead changes occurred during the 200-lap race. 24 of 33 starters reached the checkered flag. Notable retirements included Josef Newgarden (accident), Will Power (gearbox), and Alexander Rossi (fire).
Motorsport.com - All - StoriesRosenqvist wins dramatic Indy 500 title
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 in dramatic fashion, overtaking David Malukas on the final lap to win by a record margin of 0.0233 seconds, the closest finish in the race's history. Rosenqvist, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, passed Malukas on the outside in the final 50 feet after a last-lap restart. The previous closest finish was in 1992 when Al Unser Jr. beat Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds. It was Rosenqvist's second career win in 120 IndyCar races and comes shortly after he became a father for the first time. Malukas, who led late, expressed heartbreak but vowed to return stronger.
SkySports | NewsRosenqvist wins Indianapolis 500 in closest finish in event history
Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 in a dramatic last-lap shootout against David Malukas, crossing the finish line just 0.0233 seconds ahead. This margin is the closest in the storied event's history, marking a historic victory for Rosenqvist. The race, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featured intense competition and a thrilling conclusion that captivated fans.
RACERFelix Rosenqvist wins 2026 Indy 500 in closest-ever finish
Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing won the 110th Indianapolis 500 in the closest finish in the race's history, defeating David Malukas of Team Penske by 0.0233 seconds in a one-lap shootout. The 34-year-old Swede surged from third to first on the final lap, passing Malukas out of Turn 4. Scott McLaughlin finished third, followed by Pato O'Ward and Marcus Armstrong. The race featured an early crash involving Ryan Hunter-Reay and Katherine Legge on Lap 18. Rosenqvist credited his team and Honda for providing the best car, while a tearful Malukas expressed disbelief at finishing second despite giving 150% effort. The victory marks Rosenqvist's first Indy 500 win and the closest margin in the event's history.
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