The IndyCar field wrapped up its final preparations at the historic Milwaukee Mile on Saturday. The drivers completed both a low-line session and a full-length final practice ahead of tomorrow’s race. The day brought a mixture of sharp pace, pitlane drama and late-session caution.
Malukas Settles After Slow Start
David Malukas was among the first to draw attention in the early running, appearing slowish as he exited pitlane before eventually finding his rhythm.
The initial “high line” practice saw Pato O’Ward, Marcus Ericsson and Rinus Veekay set the early pace, followed by Nolan Siegel and David Malukas. The rest of the order featured Jacob Abel, Sting Ray Robb, Scott McLaughlin, Santino Ferrucci, Colton Herta, Alexander Rossi, Robert Shwartzman and Josef Newgarden.
Ferrucci’s Pitlane Clash
Ferrucci made headlines just five minutes into the session after contact in the pitlane with DeFrancesco’s No. 30 car. The collision caused damage and forced an immediate apology from the AJ Foyt driver:
“Man, I’m really sorry to the 30 guys. That never happened in my career. I apologise; that is totally my mistake.”
Race officials later handed Ferrucci a 20-minute penalty to be served at the end of qualifying.
As the opening session drew towards its conclusion, Alex Palou asserted himself at the top of the timesheets. The Spanish driver was chased closely by Team Penske’s Will Power and Scott Dixon.
Final Practice: Race Runs and Tyre Strategy
The one-hour final practice then provided the clearest glimpse yet of race running. Conor Daly briefly led early on, ahead of Siegel, O’Ward, Marcus Armstrong and Rossi, with Christian Lundgaard, Malukas, Ericsson, Palou and VeeKay rounding out the top ten.
Palou completed 23 laps on used tyres before pitting for fresh rubber. The championship winner highlighted how critical tyre strategy will be on Sunday. Teams continued to push their sets to the limit, testing grip and longevity.
Malukas Scares, Dixon Responds
At the halfway point, Palou returned to the top, leading Daly, O’Ward, Siegel, Armstrong, Rossi, Foster, Dixon, Malukas and Herta. But with 15 minutes to go, Malukas stunned the paddock by jumping to P1. Setting himself ahead of Newgarden, Armstrong, Palou and Daly.
Moments later, the American had a close call, nearly scraping the wall and picking up a flat tyre. He was forced to pit for a change, escaping what could have been a damaging incident.
With others rotating through tyre changes, Dixon seized the spotlight. He was able to produce the fastest lap on an half empty oval and climed to the top of the charts.
Session Ends Under Caution
The session ended prematurely after Sting Ray Robb struck the wall with just 90 seconds remaining. His car suffered side damage, though the incident appeared minor, and no injuries were reported.
Dixon’s late surge ensured he heads into race day as the benchmark. With Palou consistently quick, Malukas showing flashes of speed, and strategy set to play a decisive role, Sunday’s return to the Milwaukee Mile promises a fiercely competitive contest.