Things No One Tells You

Winning the Indy 500 with Álex Palou - Encore Episode


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I’m really excited about this year’s Indy 500 coming up, and seeing Álex Palou secure the pole position reminded me of our great conversation right after he won last year. I wanted to share that interview with you all ahead of this year’s race.

After Álex Palou won the Indy 500 in 2025, I watched through the glass that separates the broadcast booth with victory circle, as Álex and his racecar were lifted up to the celebratory stage where professional photographers snapped countless rounds of images of Álex and his team celebrating the moment that no doubt changed their life.

I loved watching his wife Esther hand over their daughter Lucia to celebrate with her dad and I found myself wondering what he would do next – after this portion of pomp and circumstance was over. What would his reaction be behind closed doors? I knew he’d be exhausted, rolling in on a couple hours of sleep if he was lucky, but I was so grateful to sit down with Álex the next morning; hours after winning the Indy 500, I expected adrenaline and exhaustion. What I didn’t expect was how much heart he’d bring into that conversation and what his answer to the “thing no one tells you” highlighted about his family commitment.

This episode is about more than speed. It’s about the quiet sacrifices. The money burned on tires and fuel, the long days chasing a dream across continents, and the people who made it possible.

From the stands inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway packed with Spanish flags to the emotional moment his father ran toward him on the track after his win, Álex opens up about the power of team, tradition, and staying level in the moments that matter most.

What You’ll Hear:

  • The emotional celebration that started with a run down the track (5:49)
  • Why winning the Indy 500 changes everything, even for a three-time champion (7:04)
  • Álex’s family's sacrifice and what it really took to get here (10:51)
  • The surprising habits that keep Álex sharp (14:39)

Álex gives us a rare glimpse into the life of a champion, and the grounded perspective that might just keep him winning. He reminds us that greatness doesn’t just happen on the track. It’s built over years of figuring out how to show up day after day, amid failures and setbacks, even when no one is watching.

This one is for anyone who wants to know more about the moments that don’t make the highlight reel; check out Álex’s inspiring story.

You can watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/19v7uCjBPEY

For a full transcript and more, check out our blog post: https://www.lindsaycz.com/show-notes/alex-palou-48

Check out more from Álex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpalou/

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Things No One Tells YouBy Lindsay Czarniak