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Tension at the Indianapolis 500 reached a new level just before the halfway mark of the race, when a series of dramatic incidents turned the pit lane into a veritable minefield. What had seemed like a promising day for several teams was overshadowed by accidents that raised concerns both on and off the track.
One of the most alarming moments involved Alexander Rossi, the 2016 winner, who had been showing competitive pace in his debut season with Ed Carpenter Racing. After a strong first half of the race, a mechanical failure forced him to enter the pits, where his car began to emit smoke and leak fluids. During the stop, a critical situation unfolded involving the team's fuel crew member, who was taken to a medical center for specialized treatment.
Spins, collisions, and close calls
While the Rossi incident was still unfolding, a new risky situation occurred just a few laps later. Rinus VeeKay, from Dale Coyne Racing, lost control while attempting to enter the pit lane, veering off the designated line and creating uncertainty among teams preparing for their own stops.
The chaos continued when Robert Shwartzman, who started from pole position with Prema Racing, failed to control his car while braking to enter his pit box. His front wheels locked up, causing him to collide with several of his own crew . One mechanic suffered a minor foot injury, adding to an already chaotic day.
The pits were not safe
Fortunately, none of those involved sustained serious injuries, but the scares were enough to raise alarms within the teams. The pit lane, where precision and coordination are usually paramount, became a critical hotspot for mistakes and unforeseen events.
The 2025 Indy 500 reaffirmed its reputation as one of motorsport's most unpredictable events. This time, however, the chaos wasn't just on the track, it also engulfed the very places where everything is supposed to be under control.