Felix Rosenqvist secured a historic victory at the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026, defeating David Malukas by a mere 23 thousandths of a second at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The race concluded with a dramatic one-lap shootout after a rain delay.
Marcus Armstrong led the field into the final lap before Malukas and Rosenqvist overtook him to battle for the victory.
Broadcaster Will Buxton captured the tension: "Armstrong goes now. Malukas goes with him.
One lap to decide it all at Indianapolis!"
Malukas immediately challenged for the lead as the cars entered Turn 1. Buxton noted, "Malukas hunting, hunting.
To the high side! Around the outside and into the lead!
Malukas leads with one to go!"
Rosenqvist then drew alongside his teammate to mount a counter-attack. "Rosenqvist around the outside of teammate through one!
Into the short chute in (Turn) 2," Buxton said.
The drivers fought for position as Malukas attempted to secure his first victory.
Townsend Bell commented, "Teammates battle side by side, but out in front the young American chasing his first win off Turn 2!"
Malukas held the lead momentarily while the Meyer Shank Racing drivers battled behind him. Buxton added, "David Malukas goes to defend!
The MSR drivers still side-by-side, but will that play into Malukas' hands? And here comes Pato O'Ward, but Malukas is out in front.
It's not over yet! Malukas has to defend!"
Rosenqvist generated a strong run coming off the final corner to challenge Malukas at the Yard of Bricks.
Buxton exclaimed, "Rosenqvist, great run off the final corner! Here comes Rosenqvist!
Malukas defends. Who has it?
Over the line! Who's it gonna be?
It's Rosenqvist!"
The final pass established the closest finish in the event's history. Buxton reacted, "Whoa!
Oh, what a month of May!"
The day after the event, race fans gathered on Main Street in Speedway to recount the finish.
Spectators watched Rosenqvist kiss the bricks just as light rain began to fall.
"We come to Charlie Brown's every year," said fan David Kirschner. "It would not be a trip to Indiana without coming here."
Supporters discussed the final pass.
"When he made that pass coming out of four, he just needed to put a hole in the floorboard to get it done," said fan Chuck McClurkin.
Some attendees participated in local betting pools.
"I drew Rosenqvist in the pool, so I actually won money about it, so it was very exciting," said fan J.
T. Sylvester.
Other spectators expressed mixed emotions. "I wanted Malukas to win, but the finish was so close and awesome," said fan Brent Engel.
"So, you just had to cheer for that."
The weather cleared sufficiently during the afternoon to allow the full 500-mile distance to be completed. "God is a race fan," said McClurkin.
Fans expressed gratitude that the weather did not cut the race short.
"I'm just glad we were able to get all 500 miles in and get a great finish," said fan Blake Arevalos.
