Strong denial over Alex Palou as Verstappen’s next Red Bull teammate: “It’s clickbait”
In recent days, speculation suggested that four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou could become the next teammate of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. However, the Spanish driver has personally shut down the rumor, making it clear that he has no plans to leave IndyCar and remains fully committed to continuing his career in the American series.
Palou’s past links with Formula 1
Alex Palou is not a complete stranger to Formula 1. His first real opportunity came when Arrow McLaren expanded into IndyCar, but contractual obligations with Chip Ganassi Racing prevented him from making the switch. Still, Palou made his F1 debut during the free practice session at the United States Grand Prix in 2022. The following season he was announced as McLaren’s third driver for 2023, but that collaboration with the British team lasted only a few months before coming to an end.
The denials from Palou and Ganassi
Palou was quick to clarify the situation when asked about the Red Bull speculation. “There was nothing, absolutely nothing. We haven’t heard from anyone,” the Spaniard told the Associated Press yesterday, firmly denying that any contact had been made.
He also suggested that the rumor may have been deliberately created: “The only thing I’ve heard is that it was the manager of another IndyCar driver, someone who wants my seat, who put it out there to stir things up.” According to Palou, this was a calculated move with no basis in reality.
Chip Ganassi, owner of the IndyCar team where Palou currently races, confirmed his driver’s version of events. “I read it myself. There was nobody quoted in that story. I spoke with Alex and he told me he never talked to anyone about it, he knows nothing about it. I spoke with his senior people. They know nothing. I know nothing. I think it’s a clickbait story.”
Palou’s future is set in IndyCar
While the idea of seeing Alex Palou in Formula 1 created a buzz, the Spaniard believes the timing no longer makes sense for his career. “I’m not 22 years old. You can’t go into Formula 1 as a rookie at 29, ask for two years to learn the tracks and the car, and then expect the team to wait until you’re at your best. You have to go in and deliver immediately. I don’t think I’m missing out on anything by not going to F1.”
For now, Palou’s focus remains entirely on IndyCar, where he has already established himself as one of the most successful and consistent drivers of his generation. Despite the swirling rumors, both Palou and Ganassi have made it clear: his future is not with Red Bull Racing, but firmly within the American single-seater championship.
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