Bob Goshert/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ten years ago, then-rookie Alexander Rossi won the 100th Indianapolis 500 in improbably fashion, stretching his fuel to the last drop and coasting across the line to take the checkered flag.
One decade later, Rossi has experienced an up-and-down IndyCar career, but he’s set to begin the 110th Indy 500 in second position after a strong showing in qualifying.
However, that starting spot, as well as Rossi’s position on the grid at all, are in doubt following a scary crash in practice on Monday that involved him as well as former teammates Pato O’Ward and Romain Grosjean.
Alexander Rossi Limps Away From Brutal Indy 500 Practice Crash
Rossi, who is currently tied with the fourth-best odds to win the race at +800 according to DraftKings, lost control of his car while driving through a turn in Monday’s practice session and slammed into the outside wall.
O’Ward was then unable to slow down in time to avoid him and went speeding right into the side of Rossi’s already wrecked racecar, while Grosjean spun after the fact while trying to slow his car down.
While O’Ward and Grosjean exited their cars without issue, Rossi was seen limping toward the ambulance that had entered the track to respond to the incident.
The two other drivers were checked and released from the infield care center. However, Rossi was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, according to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.
Alexander Rossi is being transported to the hospital for further evaluation. https://t.co/66zEqnfOEv
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 18, 2026
If Rossi is unable to race, his team would be allowed to replace him. However, they would forfeit the No. 2 starting spot in Sunday’s race.
Thankfully, Rossi was both alert and awake in the infield care center. However, that may not be enough to clear him to race in Sunday’s Indy 500 if he suffered a significant lower-body injury.