Carlos Munoz was downbeat after seeing his chances of winning the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 disappear due to a fuel strategy that ultimately saw the Colombian finish second to Alexander Rossi on Sunday.
Munoz was leading with just a handful of laps remaining in his #26 Andretti Autosport machine, but headed to the pit lane for a top up of fuel to enable him to make it to the chequered flag, and beat Josef Newgarden to the line for second but was unable to take the overall victory when Rossi made his own fuel stretch far longer than the Colombian.
A tearful Munoz stepped out of the car at the end of the 500-mile race around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, forced to settle for second, the second time he has finished this race in that position.
“I was really disappointed when it comes down to fuel and you lose the race because of that,” said Munoz. “I was really disappointed to get second and be half a lap short. That’s what it took.
“I was sliding the last two stints. I knew I had the car to win in the first half of the race. I just was holding my position. Last part of the race I was pushing really hard, overtaking everyone.
“One of the yellows didn’t help us. We fell back into the field and got back to the front of the field again. It wasn’t our day, if I’m honest. My team never was in the fight. But this is racing.
“We have to congratulate him (Alexander Rossi). It’s part of the racing, strategy and everything. The only thing I’m clear about is that I want to win this race one day. Man, it was a close one.
“I think me and (Josef) Newgarden had the battle for the win, we were so strong. But I’m happy for the team, one and two Andretti, one and two for Honda.”
