Felix Rosenqvist says even he’s not sure how he pulled off the final-lap move that secured victory in the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history.
The Meyer Shank Racing driver stunned the field by sweeping around the outside in a one-lap sprint to the flag, beating David Malukas by just 0.0233 seconds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
But speaking after the race, Rosenqvist admitted the move was so unlikely to come off that he doubts he could ever pull it off again — even if he tried.
Felix Rosenqvist breaks down his stunning last-lap Indy 500 move
Rosenqvist lined up third for the final restart, behind Malukas and Marcus Armstrong, after IndyCar set up a one-lap dash to the finish.
Speaking to Marca, the Swede said he initially felt the situation would work against him, expecting a two-lap restart instead.
“When they told me it was going to be a single final lap, because I thought we were going to have a two-lap restart, I thought, ‘Damn, now we’re in a tough spot,’” Rosenqvist said.
But he quickly realised third place might actually offer an opening — especially if the two cars ahead disrupted each other.
“But starting third also gives you a great opportunity. The two cars in front often break each other up, and the third car often has an advantage.”
With little room on the inside, Rosenqvist committed to the outside line — knowing it was his only real option.
“I figured I just needed that moment to be on my side. The outside was my only option. There wasn’t much room on the inside, and somehow it worked out.”
Rosenqvist says he couldn’t repeat Indy 500 miracle — even if he tried
The final lap became even more chaotic as Rosenqvist went wheel-to-wheel with teammate Armstrong before edging ahead at the flag.
It sealed not only his first Indy 500 win, but also his first IndyCar oval victory — and only the second win of his IndyCar career.
And even after one of the biggest moments of his life, Rosenqvist was quick to admit the move felt impossible to recreate.
“But I recognize that I couldn’t repeat it, even if I tried.”
Read more:
