Recent reports have linked four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou to a potential Formula 1 seat with Red Bull Racing, stirring speculation about the Spaniard's future in motorsports. However, both Palou and his team have strongly denied these rumors, labeling them as mere "clickbait".
According to IndyStar, unnamed sources suggest that Red Bull is considering Palou as a possible replacement for Yuki Tsunoda for the 2026 season, potentially pairing him with Max Verstappen. Palou's impressive IndyCar performance, including his recent Indianapolis 500 victory and four championship wins in the last five years, has seemingly caught Red Bull's attention. In 2025 alone, Palou has secured eight wins and ten podium finishes in 16 races, clinching the title with two races to spare.
Despite the rumors, Palou insists there has been no contact from Red Bull or anyone within his management group. He even speculated that the rumor might be a deliberate attempt to disrupt his dominant IndyCar season. Chip Ganassi, Palou's IndyCar team owner, has also dismissed the Red Bull link, stating that he expects Palou to remain with the team. Ganassi downplayed the allure of Formula 1, suggesting that Palou wouldn't want to be a number two driver.
Palou is currently under contract with Chip Ganassi Racing through 2026, but there is a reported clause that would allow him to leave early for a Formula 1 opportunity. However, triggering this clause would likely require a substantial buyout.
This isn't the first time Palou has been linked to Formula 1. In 2022, he signed a deal with McLaren with the intention of eventually racing in F1. However, Chip Ganassi Racing exercised an option to extend Palou's contract, leading to a legal battle. Ultimately, Palou remained with Ganassi for 2023 while also serving as a test driver for McLaren's F1 team. He even participated in a free practice session at the United States Grand Prix in 2022.
In a surprising turn of events, Palou later backed out of the McLaren deal, choosing to stay with Ganassi in IndyCar. This decision led to McLaren filing a lawsuit against Palou for breach of contract, seeking significant damages. The lawsuit is ongoing, with a trial scheduled for October. McLaren is seeking over $30 million in damages, citing losses from sponsorships, revenue, and investments in F1 testing programs. Palou's legal team argues that McLaren's claims are exaggerated.
Palou's previous F1 involvement and the subsequent legal battle with McLaren have raised questions about whether Formula 1 teams might be hesitant to pursue him. Some believe that teams may be wary of signing a driver who has previously backed out of a deal. Others suggest that the potential financial burden of the McLaren lawsuit could incentivize Palou to move to F1, where higher salaries could help offset the costs.
Despite the rumors and past experiences, Palou seems content with his current situation in IndyCar. He has stated that he enjoys the camaraderie and fun of IndyCar more than what he perceives in Formula 1. "I don't think they're having as much fun as I'm having here," Palou said after winning the Indianapolis 500.
Whether the rumors of Red Bull's interest in Alex Palou are true remains to be seen. For now, Palou remains focused on finishing his dominant IndyCar season and continuing his success with Chip Ganassi Racing.
