IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix 2025: Key Drivers and Race Predictions
The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season has been a wild ride so far. Alex Palou has absolutely dominated the field.
As the series heads to the unpredictable streets of Detroit, the fight for the coveted runner-up spot is really heating up. This blog post takes a closer look at the upcoming Detroit Grand Prix—key players, past performances, and what might go down in one of the most chaotic races on the calendar.
The Unstoppable Alex Palou
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Alex Palou stands out as the driver of the season, winning four of the last five races. He even took home the prestigious Indianapolis 500.
His skill behind the wheel and his team’s near-flawless execution have been tough to match. But Detroit’s unpredictable downtown circuit is a whole different beast.
Palou won the inaugural race here in 2023, but last year? He finished a rough 19th. Even the best can trip up on this tough track.
Palou’s Performance in Detroit
Detroit’s 1.645-mile, 100-lap circuit is infamous for chaos. Turn 3—a wide hairpin at the end of the fastest straight—has seen more than its share of carnage.
Last year, four of the eight cautions happened right there. If Palou wants to keep his championship lead, he’ll need to survive this minefield with a mix of sharp driving and, honestly, a little luck.
The Battle for Second Place
Palou keeps stretching out his lead. But the real fight is for second place.
Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Kyle Kirkwood are all in the mix. O’Ward’s aggressive style is a thrill to watch, but it’s risky on Detroit’s tight streets.
Lundgaard, on the other hand, has a knack for road and street circuits. That gives him a bit of an edge.
Kirkwood, despite a recent penalty, stays consistent on temporary tracks. He finished fourth in Detroit last year, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.
Key Contenders
- Pato O’Ward: Currently second after Indy, but he’ll need to rein in the aggression to stay out of trouble.
- Christian Lundgaard: Seventh at Indy, but his talent on street circuits keeps him firmly in the conversation.
- Kyle Kirkwood: Shook off a penalty at Indy, and with a strong Detroit history, he’s definitely a threat.
Redemption for Kirkwood and Ericsson
Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson both want to bounce back after tough Indy 500 outings. Kirkwood’s post-race penalty knocked him from sixth to 32nd.
Ericsson lost what could’ve been a podium. Detroit gives them a shot at redemption—Ericsson’s had good runs here before, and Kirkwood’s always solid on street circuits.
Strategies for Success
Detroit demands a weird mix of skill, patience, and luck. The race almost always gets messy.
If Kirkwood and Ericsson want to put Indy behind them, they’ll need to keep it clean and consistent. That’s easier said than done on this track.
The Penske Factor
The Detroit Grand Prix means a lot for Penske Entertainment. It’s Roger Penske’s home turf, after all.
After a rough May, the team’s hungry for a turnaround. Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power all want to flip the script—McLaughlin especially, after crashing out before the green flag at Indy.
Newgarden’s hoping to put fuel pressure issues behind him. Power? He’s still searching for the right setup after a frustrating Indy.
Penske’s Prospects
- Scott McLaughlin: Needs a drama-free run after that parade lap crash at Indy.
- Josef Newgarden: Wants to rebound from mechanical issues that ruined his Indy hopes.
- Will Power: Still hunting for a setup that actually works for him.
Other Notable Drivers
A few other names deserve a look as Detroit approaches. Felix Rosenqvist keeps racking up top 10s here, including third place last year.
David Malukas finished second at Indy, but street circuits haven’t been his friend—his only top 10 there came way back at St. Petersburg in 2010. PREMA Racing had a mixed bag at Indy and will want to prove themselves on Detroit’s tricky streets.
Drivers to Watch
- Felix Rosenqvist: Three straight top 10s at Detroit, with a podium in 2023.
- David Malukas: Needs to step up his street circuit game to back up his Indy performance.
- PREMA Racing: Looking to build on their Indy pole and shake off the penalties and injuries.
Predictions for the Detroit Grand Prix
Honestly, it’s tough to pick against Alex Palou right now. He’s on a roll that’s starting to remind folks of Montoya’s domination back in 2000.
But the real fireworks could be in the battle for second. Lundgaard’s steady podiums on street tracks make him a good bet to stay up there, but Kirkwood’s got the skills to mix things up at the front, too.
Top Picks
- Alex Palou: He’s got another win in his sights, unless something really goes sideways.
- Kyle Kirkwood: This Detroit street course suits him. Expect a strong showing.
- Christian Lundgaard: Odds are good he’ll snag another podium and hang on to second in the standings.
The 100-lap Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix starts Sunday, June 1, at 12:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
For more details, check out the full article on Frontstretch.
