(DETROIT, MI.) – Alex Palou opened up Practice #1 for Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix weekend by doing Alex Palou things.

Delivering a smooth, controlled, and deceptively fast performance in Practice #1 that placed him atop the time sheets and immediately established Chip Ganassi Racing as the team to beat.

While Detroit’s tight, concrete‑lined street circuit is notorious for punishing even the smallest misstep, Palou looked unbothered — a continuation of the form he displayed in other early‑season sessions, including his P1 performance at the 2026 Sonsio Grand Prix Practice #1, where he clocked a 1:10.0904 lap for CGR.

Practice #1 Results

The points leader and three-time defending series champion Palou returned to his familiar perch atop the time sheets with a best lap of 1:02.7722 seconds in the No. 10 HRC Chip Ganassi Racing Honda on the tight, nine-turn, 1.645-mile temporary street circuit. Palou won this race in 2023, the first year it returned to downtown Detroit after 30 years at Belle Isle Park.

“Good start,” Palou said. “It’s just super tough to get a lap here when everything feels good. Although we looked very good, I think we need to work on the car and try to make it a little bit better because I think there was a ton of people that couldn’t really get a good lap.”

Palou’s approach to Detroit mirrored the traits that have defined his championship‑winning seasons:

  • Minimal drama
  • Maximum efficiency
  • Incremental pace building

In previous Detroit practice sessions, Palou has shown a knack for adapting quickly to evolving grip levels — including topping Detroit Practice 1 in 2024 with a 1:01.7210 on alternate tires . That same adaptability was on display again in 2026, as he found speed early while others struggled with the circuit’s bumps, dust, and narrow braking zones.

The modern downtown Detroit layout is a tight, technical, 10‑corner street circuit known for:

  • Heavy braking zones
  • Rapid transitions
  • Limited overtaking windows
  • High risk for lockups and wall contact

Early in practice sessions, the track typically evolves quickly as rubber builds — a trend reflected in past Detroit P1 reports where drivers saw multi‑second improvements as grip increased .

Palou’s ability to extract pace before the surface fully rubbered in is a strong indicator of both driver confidence and Ganassi’s baseline setup strength.

Key Storylines From Practice #1

  • Palou’s Early Control: His smooth, mistake‑free laps set the tone for the session and the weekend.
  • Ganassi’s Strong Foundation: The team’s street‑course package continues to shine, echoing their strong form in other 2026 practices.
  • Track Evolution Challenges: Drivers battled a green surface early — a familiar Detroit theme — but Palou adapted faster than most.
  • Rivals Close Behind: While Palou led, the gap to the next group was tight, suggesting a competitive qualifying session ahead.

Palou’s P1 run positions him as an early favorite for:

  • Pole contention
  • Race‑winning pace
  • Strategic control in a track‑position‑critical event

Detroit rewards drivers who can stay clean, manage tires, and maintain rhythm — all hallmarks of Palou’s driving style.

The next sessions will reveal whether rivals like Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, or current Indy 500 champ Felix Rosenqvist can close the gap — but for now, Palou stands atop the Motor City.

Up Next: Practice #2, Saturday 9 AM/ET

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