BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Swedish driver delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in Indianapolis 500 history on Sunday, surging past in the closing moments to capture victory by a record margin of just 0.0233 seconds.
The breathtaking finish at the legendary eclipsed the previous closest finish set in 1992, when defeated by 0.043 seconds at the famed Yard of Bricks.
The final lap unfolded in chaotic fashion after a series of late cautions reshaped the race and set up a dramatic sprint to the finish. Malukas appeared poised to secure the biggest victory of his career after overtaking race leader on the final restart with one lap remaining. As Armstrong battled side-by-side with Rosenqvist down the backstretch, Malukas briefly opened a gap and seemed in control entering the final corners.
But Rosenqvist found another burst of speed in the closing seconds. Driving on the outside line, the Meyer Shank Racing driver powered past Armstrong before slipping behind Malukas and making a decisive move around the outside in the final stretch to the checkered flag. The crowd at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway erupted as the two cars crossed nearly side-by-side in a photo finish that instantly entered the history books.
The victory marked only the second IndyCar win of Rosenqvist’s career in 120 starts and easily the most significant triumph of his racing career. The emotional moment came during a life-changing month for the Swedish driver, who recently became a father for the first time.
Rosenqvist also became just the third driver from Sweden to win the Indianapolis 500, joining former champions and .
The race’s closing drama began with seven laps remaining when rookie driver crashed heavily, bringing out a red flag. Flames briefly shot from the side of Collet’s car as it slid through the grass, creating a tense scene that halted the race for approximately 10 minutes while safety crews responded.
Once the race resumed, Armstrong and Malukas quickly surged forward, overtaking Rosenqvist and in an intense fight for the lead. However, the action was interrupted again with just over three laps remaining when , son of seven-time Formula One world champion , brushed the wall exiting Turn 2 to trigger another caution period.
That final yellow flag created a one-lap showdown for the win.
When racing resumed for Lap 200, Malukas executed a perfectly timed slingshot maneuver to overtake Armstrong and seize the lead entering the first turn. The Team Penske driver appeared to have enough momentum to hold off the charging pack, but Rosenqvist steadily reeled him in over the final corners before making the winning move in the closing feet of the race.
After climbing from his car, Rosenqvist celebrated in traditional Indianapolis 500 fashion by drinking milk before pouring it over his head in jubilation as crews and fans celebrated around pit lane.
Malukas, meanwhile, was visibly emotional after narrowly missing out on his first Indianapolis 500 victory. He was comforted by his father and team members moments after the heartbreaking defeat. Despite the disappointment, the young driver delivered one of the strongest performances of his IndyCar career and came within inches of winning the sport’s most prestigious event.
finished third to give Team Penske another podium result, while Rosenqvist’s close friend and longtime rival O’Ward placed fourth. O’Ward continued his strong record at Indianapolis after recording two runner-up finishes and another third-place finish over the previous four years, though the elusive victory once again slipped away.
The unforgettable finish added another iconic chapter to the long history of the Indianapolis 500, a race already known for producing some of motorsport’s most dramatic moments. Sunday’s closing sprint ensured the 2026 edition will be remembered as one of the greatest finishes the event has ever seen.