There were flaws to the Indy 500 broadcast, sure, but millions of prospective fans and diehards tuned in. It shows an important moment for the IndyCar series.

Fox Sports' coverage of the 2025 Indianapolis 500 drew 7.05 million viewers, up 40% over last year and the most-watched Indy 500 race since 2008.

LOS ANGELES — Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 had its biggest television audience in 17 years. Alex Palou’s victory averaged 7.05 million viewers on Fox, according to Nielsen. That is the largest audience since 2008, when Scott Dixon’s win averaged 7.25 million on ABC. That was also the first year of a combined open-wheel series.