Slo-Mo Replay Shows Chaotic 0.023-Second Finish at Indy 500

What is better than the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history? Watching it back again and again in slo-mo. The end of the 2026 Indy 500 delivered on the elation and the heartbreak as Felix Rosenqvist beat David Malukas in a one-lap shootout by 0.023-seconds.

Watching the end of the race back, it was clear that these drivers were throwing haymakers. David Malukas was trying to break the draft on the last lap, make blocks down the final straight, but the run from Felix Rosenqvist was too much.

So close to glory for Malukas, and a moment to cherish forever for Rosenqvist. What a race and what a finish.

It was THAT CLOSE. #Indy500pic.twitter.com/5jUzl1yXG2

— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 24, 2026

We have seen heartbreak at Indianapolis before. Today stung a little more than others. Perhaps the most recent comparison would be the 2024 race with Josef Newgarden winning and Pato O'Ward coming up short.

The Indianapolis 500 produced one of the best races of all-time. A record for lead changes, the closest finish ever, and an unforgettable post-race celebration and heartbreak. It is everything that makes motorsports great all wrapped into one event.

Team Penske clearly has a talented young driver in Malukas. He'll be back better than ever. His comments after the race summed up the heartbreak and emotion he felt.

"Yeah, I mean, I don't know what else, I don't what else we could have done," Malukas said fighting through his emotion. "We were the fastest car that whole race, I just, I don't know. I gave it 150%. I mean, I almost crashed this damn car every lap, and we still ended up with a P2, man. I just I can't believe it, I don't know what else I can give, so."

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 2:31 PM.