Scott McLaughlin led 87 of 95 laps to beat Kyle Kirkwood and Alexander Rossi in the 2026 Grand Prix of Monterey.
Scott McLaughlin snapped a winless run of more than two years by dominating the 2026 Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey, leading 87 of 95 laps from pole at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The Team Penske driver won the season finale by 1.3739 seconds over Kyle Kirkwood. Alexander Rossi took the final podium spot, 2.8108 seconds behind McLaughlin.
McLaughlin controls from pole
McLaughlin dictated the race from the front and stayed in control through its decisive phase. Felix Rosenqvist, Rossi and Kirkwood each briefly headed the order during the middle portion, but McLaughlin reclaimed the lead and converted it into victory.
All three podium finishers completed 95 laps. McLaughlin posted a winning average speed of 106.756 mph, while Kirkwood averaged 106.735 mph.
McLaughlin earned 54 points for the victory.
Kirkwood puts championship first
Kirkwood scored 40 points for Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian by finishing second. A measured drive secured the runner-up position in the championship standings.
“We just played it super clean, super methodical,” Kirkwood said.
Kirkwood hoped to attack McLaughlin on the better tires late in the race, but said the championship situation called for caution. He finished without taking risks that might have cost him the points required to claim second in the standings.
Rossi returns to the podium
Rossi collected 36 points with third place for Ed Carpenter Racing. The result was his best of the 2026 season and his first podium since the Laguna Seca event in June 2024.
Rossi's spell at the front during the middle portion briefly broke McLaughlin's grip on the lead, but he crossed the finish line 1.4369 seconds behind Kirkwood.
Penske drought ends
McLaughlin's first IndyCar victory in more than two years closed the season with his most dominant performance of 2026.
“These guys and girls at Team Penske have stood behind me the whole time,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin also said after the race that his daughter Lucy had now watched him win. He left the Laguna Seca finale with the victory, pole position and the most laps led.
