Is Four-Time IndyCar Champion Alex Palou Headed To F1 With Red Bull? 'We've Heard...'

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 09:16 IST

Alex Palou has expressed surprise that his name is still part of the F1 conversation.

Alex Palou served as McLaren's reserve driver in 2023. (AP Photo)

Alex Palou, a four-time IndyCar champion, and his boss firmly denied a report suggesting Red Bull’s interest in signing the Spaniard to its Formula 1 team.

Palou stated there has been no communication from Red Bull with him or his management team, and speculated that the rumour might be a tactic to undermine his successful IndyCar season. Palou has won eight of 16 races, including the Indianapolis 500, securing his fourth title in five years with two races still to go.

The IndyCar season concludes on Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.

“We’ve heard nothing, absolutely nothing from anyone," Palou told The Associated Press on Tuesday, following the report’s emergence. “The only thing I’ve heard is it was a manager for another IndyCar driver who wants my seat and started this rumour."

Palou had a potential opportunity in Formula 1 in 2023 during a dispute between Chip Ganassi Racing and McLaren Racing. After winning his first championship in 2021 with Ganassi, Palou signed a contract with McLaren for its IndyCar team and a potential F1 seat during the 2022 season.

Ganassi intervened, claiming contractual rights to Palou for 2023. A mediator ruled that Palou must drive for Ganassi in 2023 but could also work for McLaren, then join McLaren in 2024.

In 2023, Palou won five races and his second IndyCar title for Ganassi. He also served as McLaren’s reserve driver, completing testing, simulator work, and participating in one Grand Prix practice session.

Later that year, Palou withdrew from the McLaren deal, opting to stay with Ganassi in IndyCar. McLaren is now suing him for nearly $30 million for breach of contract, with a trial scheduled in London in September.

The complications of the McLaren agreements have led many to believe Palou is not a reliable candidate for an F1 seat.

On Tuesday, Cadillac’s new team, owned by Dan Towriss who also owns the Andretti Global IndyCar team, announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its drivers. Towriss did not consider signing Palou, despite his eight victories against Towriss’ IndyCar drivers this year.

Ganassi dismissed the validity of the Red Bull report on Tuesday.

“I read that myself. There was no one quoted in there. I talked to Palou, who said he’s never spoken to anybody and knows nothing about it," Ganassi said. “I talked to his management. They know nothing about it, and so do I. It’s a clickbait story."

After his Indianapolis 500 victory in May, Palou mentioned he had closed the door on F1 following his complicated break with McLaren. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri winning races for McLaren in F1, and Ganassi being more dominant in IndyCar, there was no open seat for him in F1, and he decided to stay put.

Ganassi referenced Palou’s change of heart in late 2023.

“He had the chance to leave but decided to stay. I don’t know how many times I have to say that. Everyone can see that," Ganassi said Tuesday.

In May, Palou commented that F1 “is not calling me anymore. I don’t think they’re having as much fun as I’m having here. I don’t see people celebrating with their wives and kids as much as we do. I don’t see them hanging around the bus lot or having dinner with their mechanics. I only enjoy driving, having fun, and being with my people, so I think F1 is the total opposite."

On Tuesday, Palou expressed surprise that his name is still part of the conversation. He was 24 when he started talks with McLaren, but now at 28, he has 19 wins and four titles.

“Maybe if I had a different experience in 2022, I would have a different view," he said. “I feel like I got my shot and it didn’t work out. I’m fortunate to return to the best IndyCar team to win championships and the 500.

“I’m not 22. You cannot go to F1 as a rookie at 29 and ask for two years to learn the track and car, and expect them to wait for you to perform," he continued. “You need to go there and perform immediately. I don’t think I’m missing out on anything by not going to F1."

With AP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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First Published:

August 27, 2025, 09:16 IST

News sports Is Four-Time IndyCar Champion Alex Palou Headed To F1 With Red Bull? 'We've Heard...'

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