Pato O'Ward, the 25-year-old Mexican driver, displayed raw emotion following his near-victory at the Indianapolis 500, where he was overtaken by Josef Newgarden just two corners from the finish line. Despite falling short, O'Ward expressed pride in his performance, stating that he had given his all and had no regrets about his race strategy. He will have the opportunity to redeem himself at the Detroit Grand Prix, aiming to secure his second win of the season.
IndyCar points leader Alex Palou, who was critical of the Detroit Grand Prix's bumpy street course last year, maintained his stance even after the surfacing changes. The contrasting nature of the Detroit Grand Prix, with its short and bumpy track, was highlighted by drivers like Will Power, who likened it to riding a bucking bull.
Helio Castroneves clarified that the decision to replace Tom Blomqvist in the upcoming races was not a reflection of losing faith in the driver but rather an attempt to halt the decline in performance. Castroneves, a four-time Indy 500 winner, expressed optimism about creating better memories at the Detroit Grand Prix, a track where he has previously tasted success.
With five different winners in the first five races and the Indy 500 in the rearview mirror, the focus now shifts towards the championship race. Drivers like Newgarden see this phase as the next chapter in the season, with ample opportunities to contend for the title.
The Detroit Grand Prix, following the success of the NFL draft in drawing record crowds to the city, has sold out grandstand tickets and offers free access points for fans to enjoy the event. The race's return to downtown streets has not only boosted local businesses but also showcased the city in a positive light on television, with Roger Penske acknowledging the remarkable progress Detroit has made since hosting the Super Bowl in 2006.
