Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist won the 2026 Indy 500 on Sunday, May 24.
He won the race by just 0.0233 seconds. That margin created the closest finish in the 115-year history of the famous event.
The race produced late heartbreak for several drivers. However, the “greatest spectacle in racing” once again delivered an incredible finish.
Key details
The Indy 500 covers 200 laps and 500 miles. The race takes place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Memorial Day weekend each year.
The event began in 1911. Sunday’s race marked the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Cars can reach speeds above 200 mph during the race. Therefore, safety rules limit the field to 33 cars.
Four drivers share the record for the most Indy 500 wins. A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears and Hélio Castroneves have each won the race four times.
Last-lap desperation
Rosenqvist drove the No. 60 Honda for Meyer Shank Racing. His victory made him the 77th different driver to win the Indianapolis 500.
David Malukas finished just behind Rosenqvist. The Swedish driver beat the American by 0.0233 seconds at the finish line.
The previous closest finish came in 1992. Al Unser Jr. beat Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds that year.
The final-lap drama began on lap 197. Rookie and former F1 driver Mick Schumacher brushed the barrier at Turn 2.
Schumacher returned to the pits. The race then reached its decisive moment on lap 199.
Officials announced that the caution period would end at the end of the lap. That decision created a one-lap shootout for victory.
Marcus Armstrong led the field when the caution ended. Malukas followed in second, while Rosenqvist ran third.
Malukas quickly passed Armstrong as the drivers entered Turn 1.
Rosenqvist then attacked Armstrong around the outside. He held the outside line through three corners.
The Swedish driver eventually moved ahead of Armstrong before the final corner.
Malukas appeared to have control of the race. However, Rosenqvist found another burst of speed through Turn 4.
He pulled alongside Malukas on the run to the finish. The two drivers raced side by side toward the famous yard of bricks.
Rosenqvist finally edged ahead at the line. Malukas made a desperate final attempt to defend his position, but the Swedish driver held on.
The result gave Rosenqvist a historic Indy 500 victory. It also produced the closest finish the race has ever recorded.
