Felix Rosenqvist picked up a record $4.34 million payday for his victory in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, as the event’s total purse broke the $30 million barrier for the first time.
The Meyer Shank Racing driver edged out David Malukas in the closest finish the race has ever seen, capping off a memorable day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rosenqvist’s triumph not only secured his place in Indy 500 history but also delivered the largest winner’s cheque the event has ever awarded.
Felix Rosenqvist takes home $4.34 million from Indy 500 win
Rosenqvist banked $4.34 million after winning the 110th edition of the race for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian.
The Swede crossed the line just 0.0233 seconds ahead of Malukas, producing the closest finish in the race’s long history.
His payout was part of a record total purse of $30,906,400 – the largest in the event’s history.
The 2026 purse rose by more than 50% compared to the previous year and marked the fifth straight year of record-breaking payouts.
On average, each of the 33 drivers in the field earned $936,500.
Indy 500 purse hits new heights in 2026
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles called the 2026 running a landmark moment for the event.
“The Indianapolis 500 continues to make history, in more ways than one,” Boles said.
“The Month of May featured a back-to-back grandstand sellout crowd – our largest crowd since the 100th Running in 2016 – and intense on-track action with the most lead changes ever in the Indy 500.”
“Felix Rosenqvist added his name to the history books in stellar fashion, with the closest finish in Indy 500 history and now the largest purse.”
“There’s no better end to a memorable month.”
The 2026 purse extended a sharp rise for the Indy 500, which paid out just over $20.2 million in 2025 and had previously peaked at $14.4 million back in 2008.
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