Indy 500 Camera Catches Devastated David Malukas Right After Historically Close Loss

In racing, there is only one winner, and everyone else goes home a loser. There are some ways of losing more devastating than others. David Malukas just found out the hard way as he was passed at the line by Felix Rosenqvist for the win in the Indianapolis 500.

The joys of winning and the devastation of losing are always on display after the end of the Indy 500. This is the second top-five finish for Malukas in his first two starts, but you could see just how much the finish crushed him at the end.

Head in his hands, still with his helmet on, Malukas had his emotions on his sleeve after the finish. The young driver for Team Penske was that close.

Devastation for David Malukas. #Indy500pic.twitter.com/ne9rrPhfgR

— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 24, 2026

The finish between Rosenqvist and Malukas was much like the one between Josef Newgarden and Pato O'Ward in the 2024 season. This one just happened to be even closer, and perhaps more devastating.

In his post-race comments on pit road, the emotion was even more evident on Malukas' voice and face. This race means everything to everyone who races it, and it was just taken away in a moment for Malukas.

"Yeah, I mean, I don't know what else, I don't what else we could have done," Malukas said fighting through his emotion. "We were the fastest car that whole race, I just, I don't know. I gave it 150%. I mean, I almost crashed this damn car every lap, and we still ended up with a P2, man. I just I can't believe it, I don't know what else I can give, so."

The future is bright for David Malukas. Team Penske has nabbed another young standout driver that should be winning races in no time. Penske believes in Malukas, and we saw today exactly why they believe in him.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 1:48 PM.