Alex Palou faced a mechanical issue during Indy 500 practice, causing him to remain in the garage as his team diagnosed the problem with his No. 10 Honda. He reported hearing a concerning noise from the rear of the car.
Key points
Alex Palou faced a mechanical issue during practice
He remained stuck in the garage for diagnosis
The issue affected his No. 10 Honda
Palou reported a concerning noise from the rear of the car
Alex PalouChip Ganassi RacingIndianapolis 500
What's wrong with Alex Palou at Indy 500 practice?
INDIANAPOLIS -- A mechanical issue brought an early setback to Alex Palouâs Indianapolis 500 title defense during Tuesday's practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
With less than an hour remaining in opening day practice, the four-time IndyCar champion remained stuck in the garage as Chip Ganassi Racing worked to diagnose an issue with the No. 10 Honda.
Palou reported trouble early in his run after hearing a concerning noise from the rear of the car.
âThereâs something wrong,â Palou radioed to the team. âMy right rear.â
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) jumps into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers Graham Rahal (15) and Louis Foster (45) give a quick hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Q&A
What mechanical issue did Alex Palou experience at Indy 500 practice?
Alex Palou experienced a mechanical issue that caused him to remain in the garage while his team diagnosed the problem with his No. 10 Honda.
How did Alex Palou's practice session at the Indy 500 end?
Palou's practice session ended early due to a mechanical issue that prevented him from completing his run.
What team is Alex Palou racing for in the Indy 500?
Alex Palou is racing for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Indy 500.
What was the nature of the noise Alex Palou reported from his car?
Palou reported hearing a concerning noise from the rear of his car, which indicated a potential mechanical issue.
Related Articles
Sports
Pressure and dressing-room bombshell? Ancelotti on Neymar at the World Cup
Ancelotti discusses Neymar's potential role in Brazil's World Cup squad.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
Ellwood City shuts down Ligonier Valley in opening round of WPIAL 3A playoffs
Ellwood City shuts out Ligonier Valley 3-0 in WPIAL 3A playoff opener!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Cricket·Recap
IPL 2026: Kagiso Rabada enters elite IPL club with historic powerplay bowling feat
Kagiso Rabada joins elite IPL club with 16 powerplay wickets in 2026!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
"Es triste que Florentino mienta y viva del victimismo de la persecuciĂłn"
Javier Tebas: 'Es triste que Florentino mienta y viva del victimismo'
Marca··1 min read
MLB·Preview
Braves vs Cubs chat and discussion: Grant Holmes vs Colin Rea
Braves face Cubs tonight with Holmes on the mound against Rea.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
The Free Agent EDGE Market Keeps Shrinking for Vikings
Vikings' EDGE options dwindle as Bills sign Mike Danna.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) puts on her helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) laughs with his team Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) signs and autograph for a Carmel Elementary student Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Jack Harvey (24) gets prepared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) takes off his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The car of Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The car of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) takes off from the pit Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Takuma Sato (75) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fans watch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) sits down into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A race fan carries a Gasoline Alley sign through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Crew members for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Felix Rosenqvist (60) hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) looks out onto the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) talks with crew members Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) talks with a crew member Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Drivers take to the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) sits in his pit box Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A tire sits ready for use Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Sting Ray Robb (77) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) prepares to get into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) jumps into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) jumps into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers Graham Rahal (15) and Louis Foster (45) give a quick hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) puts on her helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
4 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) laughs with his team Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) signs and autograph for a Carmel Elementary student Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
6 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
7 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Jack Harvey (24) gets prepared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
8 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) takes off his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
9 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
The car of Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
10 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
The car of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
11 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
12 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) takes off from the pit Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
13 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
14 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
15 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Takuma Sato (75) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
16 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Fans watch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
17 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
18 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) sits down into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
19 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
A race fan carries a Gasoline Alley sign through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
20 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Crew members for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Felix Rosenqvist (60) hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
21 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) looks out onto the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
22 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) talks with crew members Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
23 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) talks with a crew member Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
24 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Drivers take to the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
25 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) sits in his pit box Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
26 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
A tire sits ready for use Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
27 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
28 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Sting Ray Robb (77) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
29 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
30 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
31 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
32 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) prepares to get into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fox Sports 1's Jamie Little reported that Palou said he heard a "clunk."
The issue cut valuable track time short for the Spaniard during the six-hour session. Palou completed only 22 laps and sat 32nd on the timesheet with a top speed of 219.861 mph while crews disassembled parts of the car in search of the problem.
According to the team, mechanics went inside the car, inspecting the gearbox and springs in hopes of identifying the source of the malfunction.
The extended garage stay left uncertainty surrounding whether Palou would be able to return to the track before the end of practice at 6 p.m.
