The 2025 IndyCar season’s seventh round in Detroit delivered high drama and a new winner, as Kyle Kirkwood claimed his second victory of the year. The Andretti Global driver emerged triumphant on the challenging downtown street circuit after a race marked by multiple crashes, yellow flags, and a red-flag stoppage.
Strategic Overtakes Secure Kirkwood’s Victory
Starting third behind Colton Herta and David Malukas, Kirkwood managed the chaos with precision. His most decisive move came after the final caution period, when he climbed from fourth to first in just two laps. Timing his overtakes perfectly, the 26-year-old driver showcased skill and patience to secure the top step of the podium.
Ferrucci and Herta Complete the Podium
Santino Ferrucci took a remarkable second place for A. J. Foyt Enterprises. Thanks to an early pit strategy and clean racecraft, he moved into podium contention late in the race. Colton Herta, who had started on pole, settled for third after losing ground during pit stops but defended fiercely in the final laps to secure the result.
Alex Palou Retires After Contact with Malukas
Championship leader Alex Palou suffered his first retirement of the season. After winning five of the previous six races, the Chip Ganassi Racing star was taken out on Lap 73 following contact from Malukas. The incident brought out a caution, and Malukas was penalized with a drive-through. Palou hit the wall and did not finish the race.
Multiple Cautions and a Red Flag Shake Up the Race
The Detroit Grand Prix was a stop-start affair. Early incidents involved Rosenqvist and DeFrancesco, both sidelined due to pit-related issues. The most serious event occurred on Lap 87 when Foster, suffering from a suspension failure, crashed into Rosenqvist at the hairpin. The collision led to a red flag, though thankfully both drivers escaped injury.
O’Ward and Simpson Lead Midfield Standouts
Pato O’Ward delivered one of the most impressive drives of the day, climbing from 18th to 7th with consistent pace and strategic pit stops. His teammate Christian Lundgaard finished eighth, while Josef Newgarden secured ninth. Kyffin Simpson was the standout for Chip Ganassi Racing, finishing fifth, while teammates Palou and Dixon had disappointing results.
Rosenqvist Fastest in Warm-Up Session
Earlier in the day, the Sunday warm-up session saw Felix Rosenqvist clock the fastest time for Meyer Shank Racing with a 1:02.1054. He was followed by Kirkwood and Malukas, both of whom were among the frontrunners during the race.
Kirkwood Emerges as Palou’s Closest Rival
With this result, Kirkwood becomes the only repeat winner other than Palou so far in the 2025 IndyCar season. His consistent performances and strategic brilliance position him as a serious title contender as the championship heads into its mid-season phase.
Top 10
1. Kyle Kirkwood
2. Santino Ferrucci
3. Colton Herta
4. Will Power
5. Kyffin Simpson
6. Marcus Armstrong
7. Pato O’Ward
8. Christian Lundgaard
9. Josef Newgarden
10. Alexander Rossi