Reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou took control of the championship Sunday with a strategic victory at Long Beach Street Circuit, thanks in large part to flawless execution on pit road.

Palou admitted that on pure pace, Felix Rosenqvist had the stronger car throughout the race. However, a perfectly timed and executed pit stop during a caution allowed Palou to jump ahead and ultimately secure the win.

“He was a bit stronger than us today,” Palou said. “My confidence was high, but I think my chances were low. It would have been very tough for us to pass him on track. We were trying everything with strategy to make something happen.”

That opportunity came when it mattered most.

According to longtime No. 10 team manager Barry Wanser, the team understood that pit road could decide the race. When the moment came, they delivered.

“The group has been really solid on pit stops the last couple years,” Wanser said. “We knew coming down pit lane that we had a shot if everything went right. The guys were smooth and consistent, and we were able to take advantage of that.”

Palou praised his crew for stepping up under pressure and putting him in position to win.

“The pressure in that moment was really high,” he said. “The job they did was incredible. When I’m not at my best, they help put me there with strategy and execution.”

Wanser echoed that sentiment, pointing to the effort behind the scenes that continues to fuel the team’s success.

“We put a lot of work into this,” he said. “It doesn’t just happen. Everyone on this team is doing their job at a high level, and we’re able to capitalize when it counts.”

With the victory, Palou now sits atop the championship standings as he continues his push for another title.

Next on the schedule is the open test for the Indianapolis 500 on April 28-29, as Palou and his team begin preparations for one of the biggest races of the season on May 24.