Alex Palou, the Spanish driver who claimed victory at the 2025 Indianapolis 500, has firmly denied rumors of a potential move to Formula 1, reaffirming his dedication to IndyCar. The win marks his fifth in six races this season, solidifying his status as one of the series’ top performers. In an interview with the Indy Star, Palou highlighted the distinct appeal of IndyCar’s grassroots culture and the strong bonds between drivers, mechanics, and fans—a stark contrast to the high-profile environment of F1. Although Palou had previously engaged with F1 through testing and reserve roles, he has now ruled out a full-time transfer, emphasizing his preference for the communal and festive atmosphere of IndyCar.
Palou’s decision to focus on IndyCar comes after a brief foray into Formula 1 in 2022, when he participated in McLaren’s Testing of Previous Cars program and was named a reserve driver for the 2023 season. Despite these opportunities, he has not yet raced in an official F1 event. Palou’s experience with F1 dates back to 2017, when he competed in Formula 2 and finished in seventh place in the Formula 3 drivers’ championship in 2018. However, his recent comments suggest that he is content with his current career path, prioritizing the collaborative spirit of IndyCar over the individualistic nature of F1.
After securing his fifth IndyCar win of the season, Palou’s success has not gone unnoticed by his team, Chip Ganassi Racing, which has hailed him as one of the greats. Team owner Ganassi stated, “I think he’s one of the greats. It’s that simple. Certainly we’ve had some great drivers on our team, and he’s right there, at worst, shoulder-to-shoulder with all the rest of them.” This endorsement underscores the significance of Palou’s achievements and the strong support he has within the IndyCar community.