Rosenqvist and Power Criticize IndyCar’s Aging Traffic Regulations Following Portland Podium Finishes

Felix Rosenqvist and Will Power secured second- and third-place podium finishes at the Grand Prix of Portland, but their post-race focus centered on IndyCar’s outdated traffic management protocols, with both drivers voicing strong criticism of the series’ approach to lapped cars.

Rosenqvist, starting from pole position in the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, led 33 laps before a combination of a tight pit exit near rookie Mick Schumacher’s crew and a strategic overcut by race winner Alex Palou relegated him to second place. “Palou just drove better, to be honest,” Rosenqvist stated. “Not a lot quicker, but he was a bit quicker, especially on the blacks. That first stint he outsmarted us, did one lap longer. I didn’t know he did that, so maybe we need to work on communication. I don’t think I could have kept up with that pace he did anyways, if I saved that much fuel.”

Rosenqvist further criticized the impact of lapped traffic on race dynamics, particularly losing time behind Louis Foster, who had recently emerged from the pits on fresh tires.

“IndyCar: We don’t make the rules, we keep the same ones since the ’70s.” – Will Power

“Yeah, from there it was just like a lapped car race, I guess,” Rosenqvist explained. “Sometimes you’re getting three seconds because of a lap car, the next time you lose three seconds. I think without sounding salty, I don’t think I would have won the race anyway, but I think it’s kind of time for us as a series to grow up and not have the lapped car situation. I think it makes us all look stupid. When you work hard and all of a sudden you lose five seconds behind a lapped car, I don’t think it’s right. I don’t think anyone wants to see that. Again, I don’t think I would have won anyways. I think all drivers probably agree with me.”

Power, driving the #26 Andretti Global Honda, echoed Rosenqvist’s frustration after a miscommunication during a critical radio call. Attempting to maintain position for an overcut before his final stop, Power missed an unclear pit directive, forcing him to continue on worn tires while leading. He “got held up massively” battling backmarker Sting Ray Robb, who raced alongside him into Turn 10 despite being a lap down.

“I’ve said it forever. It’s kind of ridiculous we have a 1970’s rule going on: ‘But we’ve always done that,'” Power said. “Yeah, it’s a little bit different now. Drives me crazy all these cars. If IndyCar won’t do anything, I think all the drivers get together and have a gentlemen’s agreement.”

Palou capitalized on traffic delays and strategic pit stops to claim victory in a race marred by one early caution. Post-race, Rosenqvist and Power dismissed suggestions to address blue-flag protocols during the off-season, with Rosenqvist declaring, “Nothing will happen,” and Power adding, “Same discussion every year.”

Will Power, Andretti Global

Photo by: Perry Nelson / Lumen via Getty Images

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