ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WISH) — The back-to-back NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou started the year off with a victory on Sunday.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver won the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. He led 26 of the event’s 100 laps.

“It’s tough to get back to work after six months,” Palou said. “So, it feels amazing to be back here. Feels amazing that we have a fast car here. It’s a place that – I personally struggled here in the past. So, it’s huge to start with a win in the 2025 season.”

Palou held off his teammate Scott Dixon for the victory. Dixon, who came home in second place, finished less than three seconds behind Palou.

After the race, Palou celebrated in victory lane, like winning drivers always do after an event. What made it extra special though is that his 1-year-old daughter, Lucía, was right there with him.

“It’s amazing,” Palou said. “The only issue is that I think she’s getting used to that. And one day I’ll have a normal race and she’ll be like, ‘Daddy. What just happened?’ And I’ll be like, ‘It’s not always sunny.’”

Palou and his wife Esther welcomed Lucía to the world in December 2023.

“I’m really, really lucky to have the family I have,” Palou said. “To have them with me, my wife, my daughter, and to have her in victory lane. I think we’re building memories that are going to be super, super fun (in) the long term.”

Palou and his fellow IndyCar drivers have a couple more weeks off before the series’ next race. The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix will take place March 23 at The Thermal Club.

It will be the first time IndyCar has hosted a points race at the circuit. Last year, it was an exhibition event, which Palou won.