Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
FIFA World Cup 2026 posterRosenqvist surges late to win Indy 500, McLaughlin claims third
Savannah Lendich Jonkers •  May 25th, 2026 8:34 am
Scott McLaughlin | Photo: Facebook/Scott McLaughlin
Felix Rosenqvist has held off late challenges from David Malukas, Scott McLaughlin and Marcus Armstrong to win his first ever Indy 500 on Monday (NZ time).
The Swede made a last-second pass, taking the win from under Malukas' feet - marking the closest finish in history of the great race.
Scott Dixon finished 15th while it was a personal best finish for McLaughlin and Armstrong, finishing 3rd and 5th.
Silent assassin Armstrong started 16th, making his way through the field to lead laps in a green, white, chequered finish, however didn't get the jump to maintain the lead.
But it was McLaughlin to finish in third - with team Penske keeping McLaughlin on target with fast pits, each time moving up the field.Â
The majority of the race was a battle of the Penske's and the Chip Ginassi’s with Dixon and Alex Palou taking on McLaughlin and Malukas, but it was team Meyer Shank who finished on top.
The majority of the race was a battle of the Penske's and the Chip Ginassi’s with Dixon and Alex Palou taking on McLaughlin and Malukas, but it was team Meyer Shank who finished on top.
The Kiwi trio were among the 12 to lead the race, with Dixon only adding to his tally of leading the most laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Â
Rain began to fall at just over halfway with Dixon in the lead, forcing the field to enter pit lane and wait for the rain to clear.
A composed Dixon joined the commentary team in the meantime, acknowledging there is a long way to go in the race, while his wife joked the race should be declared in hopes of seeing her husband win his second Indy 500.Â
The race already built on strategy became even more technical with rain thrown in the mix as strategists scratched their heads trying to determine the best game plan.
As it's bad for fuel efficiency to lead, the leading driver would be next to kiss the Indianapolis bricks if the race was to be declared.
Scott Dixon on competing with Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Palou | Scotty & Izzy
Dixon remains the only driver to win the Indy 500, but the Kiwis have edged closer to victory, drastically flipping 2025's heartbreaking results.
