F1 Rumor: IndyCar driver Palou under consideration by Audi F1 (Update)
F1 ‘Wanna Be’ Alex Palou has made headlines recently by expressing his preference for staying in the IndyCar series rather than moving to Formula 1, despite ongoing rumors about a potential seat with Audi.
Speaking to Marca, Palou said,“I obviously tried. If it didn’t work out… that’s fine. Let’s say it doesn’t hurt. I tried, it didn’t work out and that’s it. I haven’t lost anything. And no, I don’t think Formula 1 has missed anything as I haven’t missed anything either.
“I’m incredibly enjoying every day here, winning races and championships.”
Palou’s situation has been complicated by a legal dispute with McLaren, which is seeking over $30 million in damages after he backed out of a contract to join their F1 team.
He ultimately decided to remain an ‘F1 Wanna Be’ with Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar, citing a lack of immediate opportunities in F1 as a key factor in his decision.
He’ll race this weekend at WWTR risking life and limb on a dangerous oval in front of a sparse IndyCar crowd.
August 9, 2024
According to F1 paddock rumors, IndyCar champion Alex Palou has emerged as a very hot contender for an Audi Formula 1 seat in 2025 and beyond.
As Audi prepare for their official entry into Formula One in 2026, speculation is mounting as to who will join Nico Hulkenberg on the grid. Audi has bought the Sauber F1 team but the name does not officially change until 2026 and has already signed Hulkenberg.
With Sauber’s 2025 line-up yet to be confirmed, the German manufacturer is exploring a number of options, with some unexpected names being floated as potential candidates.
Among them is two-time IndyCar champion and current Ganassi IndyCar driver Alex Palou, whose name has recently emerged as a wildcard contender for one of the most coveted seats in motorsport.
McLaren previously tried to sign Palou as an F1 Reserve driver, but Palou backed out of that deal when it became apparent no race seats would be available for many years, as both its regular F1 drivers are young and talented and going nowhere.