# AI is now a racing advantage in IndyCar

> Álex Palou's dominant 2026 season was aided by OpenAI collaboration on car setup optimization, showing AI's growing role in motorsport.
- Title: AI is now a racing advantage in IndyCar · Ars Technica
- Summary: Álex Palou's dominant 2026 season was aided by OpenAI collaboration on car setup optimization, showing AI's growing role in motorsport. OpenAI and Chip…
- Keywords: indycar, álex palou, chip ganassi racing, openai, artificial intelligence, motorsport, car setup optimization, technology, science, racing, advantage, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/10/ai-ml-setups-became-a-tool-in-indycar-champion-alex-palous-toolbox
- Published: 2026-10-07T13:56:38+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indycar, álex palou, chip ganassi racing, openai, artificial intelligence, motorsport, car setup optimization, technology, science
## Tech money is racing's new fuel
Crypto, cyber and AI sponsors now dominate racecars where tobacco and alcohol once ruled. These sectors have the money motorsport needs to compete.
## Palou dominates 2026 IndyCar season
Álex Palou sealed his fifth title in six seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing. He won six of eighteen races and took eight poles, twice and far better than anyone else.
## OpenAI helped optimize car setups
OpenAI and one of its researchers worked with Chip Ganassi Racing and Palou on optimizing car setups. A documentary series on YouTube covers the collaboration.
## AI tools already reshape motorsport
General Motors used AI to predict cautions from radio traffic and analyze crash data from trackside photographers within seconds. IBM and Dallara showed AI speeds aerodynamic development.
## F1 teams adopt neural networks
More than one Formula One team uses a company called Neural Concept to train AI on computational fluid dynamics data. Cadillac's new F1 team is supported from Charlotte, North Carolina.
## Methodical engineering gives edge
Racing driver Mark Donohue titled his biography The Unfair Advantage, detailing how methodical engineering gave him advantage. Palou's dominant team and seasons suggest similar edge.

> The Unfair Advantage
## Key takeaway

OpenAI and Chip Ganassi Racing used AI to optimize car setups for Álex Palou, who won his fifth IndyCar title in six seasons with eight poles and six wins in eighteen races.