Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, securing his first win in the prestigious race and earning a substantial £3.8 million prize.
The triumph came from a record-breaking total purse of £20,283,000, marking the largest prize pool in the event's storied history.
This year's average payout for INDYCAR drivers reached £596,500, exceeding last year's average of £543,000.
The 2025 edition of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" continued the trend of increasing financial rewards, with the total purse reaching a new peak for the fourth consecutive year.
Alex Palou won his first Indy 500 and his first race on an oval
Reuters
The upward trajectory of prize money has been remarkable in recent years. In 2024, the Indianapolis 500 purse stood at £18,456,000, with winner Josef Newgarden receiving £4.3 million, which included a £440,000 roll-over bonus from BorgWarner for achieving back-to-back victories.
The 2023 purse amounted to £17,021,500, with Newgarden earning £3.7 million for his win. In 2022, the total prize pool was £16,000,200, with Marcus Ericsson taking home £3.1 million.
JUST IN: Novak Djokovic embroiled in heated argument with umpire during French Open win
Prior to this recent surge, the largest Indianapolis 500 purse was £14.4 million, established in 2008, highlighting the significant financial growth of the event over the past four years.
INDYCAR and IMS president J. Douglas Boles celebrated the significance of the event, stating: "The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and winning this race makes history in more ways than one.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton spotted partying with mystery blonde woman hours after awkward Monaco Grand Prix snub
Pole sitter Robert Shwartzman ended the race early after a crash on pit road
Reuters
The Month of May featured a grandstand sellout crowd and intense on-track action.
Palou adds Indianapolis 500 winner to his long list of growing achievements and takes home the largest purse in Indianapolis 500 history. There's no better way to end an epic month."
The Indianapolis 500 purse comprises awards from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR, along with other designated and special awards, traditionally presented at the Victory Celebration.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The Indy 500 had the biggest prize purse in history this year
Reuters
Pole-winner Robert Shwartzman of PREMA Racing earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honours for his performance during the Month of May.
His achievement came with a £50,000 bonus, contributing to his total prize of £327,300.
The Victory Celebration for this year's race is being held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis on Monday night, where all purse awards will be presented.
Most Read
