INDIANAPOLIS — A multi-car crash during practice for the Indianapolis 500 left Alexander Rossi with minor injuries to his left hand, requiring surgery on Monday night, according to Ed Carpenter Racing.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:41 p.m. when Rossi's No. 20 car spun in Turn 2, colliding with the outer wall before coming to a stop. Pato O'Ward and Romain Grosjean attempted to avoid the wreck, but both were involved. All three drivers were transported to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway medical center; O'Ward and Grosjean were checked and released, while Rossi was taken to a nearby hospital.
Authorities reported that Rossi hopes to participate in Friday's final practice and the race on Sunday, though his condition remains under evaluation. Witnesses described the crash as a result of unfortunate timing, with O'Ward stating, “These cars don't stop very well at those speeds.”
The crash raised concerns about its impact on the 33-car grid for the sold-out race, particularly since Rossi, O'Ward, and Conor Daly all sustained damage. Grosjean, qualifying in 24th, also faced repercussions from the accident.
Rossi had recently come close to securing the pole position, finishing second with an average speed of 231.990 mph, just behind reigning champion Alex Palou.
The incident caused minor modifications in the starting grid, as Caio Collet and Jack Harvey were penalized for rule violations found during post-qualifying inspections. The next practice session is scheduled for Friday, coinciding with Carb Day festivities.