Palou’s performance in the 17 races was truly remarkable. The Spanish driver secured five wins, 10 podiums, 13 top fives, and 17 top 10s, with none lower than eighth, ultimately clinching his second championship in three years. Adding two poles and four fastest laps to his achievements, Palou also led laps in 11 rounds, accumulating a total of 377 laps throughout the year, second only to Josef Newgarden’s 607 laps.
Finishing the year with a 3.7 average, Palou’s performance stands among the best since Tony Kanaan (2004) and Dan Wheldon (2005). The consistency in results allowed him to secure the title in the penultimate round at Portland International Raceway, a feat not accomplished since Sebastien Bourdais in 2007.
Power, who finished seventh in the previous year’s title race with four podiums and 11 top 10s, expressed deep respect for Palou’s accomplishments, describing them as untouchable. He acknowledged the extraordinary nature of Palou’s achievements, emphasizing the five wins and the absence of any result outside the top eight.
Palou’s dominance prompted Power to reflect on his own championship-winning seasons, pointing out the contrast in the number of finishes outside the top 10. He recognized that Palou’s performance set a new standard for approaching the championship, emphasizing the need for not just consistency but also winning races.
In Power’s view, Palou’s remarkable run resets the bar in the IndyCar series, which is already known for its high level of competition. The Australian driver acknowledged the toughness of both Palou and his team, noting that the achievements observed in the 2022 season have elevated the standards for success in the series.
