Indycar driver Álex Palou doesn’t want a F1 seat

The race to secure the last available seat at Audi in Formula 1 is intensifying. The list of drivers in the running has continued to grow in recent times, but a new name may be crossed off. IndyCar champion Alex Palou is not planning to return to Formula 1. After rumors suggested that the Spanish driver could be a candidate as early as 2025, he himself denied any involvement with the team.

Last week, rumors from Germany indicated that Audi might reconsider its list of candidates. Even if the current Sauber driver, Valtteri Bottas, seems close to reaching a new agreement with the team in 2025. Audi, who probably wants to try something new, had considered looking into other disciplines, including IndyCar. On the agenda are former Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire and champion Álex Palou. The name of the Spaniard was particularly surprising due to his brief stint in Formula 1 in 2022. He took part in the first free practice session for McLaren at the United States Grand Prix.

What we know about Audi’s desires is mainly the need to have two experienced drivers by its side. The link with McLaren that he could have had and his two IndyCar championship titles made Álex Palou a possibility for a seat at Audi. This week also, the team shared its desire to have two drivers of different nationalities in its ranks. With all German drivers out of the running, the option no longer seemed so unimaginable.

Audi and Álex Palou are not in discussion

If Ganassi Racing’s driver had not ruled out a return to Formula 1, it is still not what he is looking for right now. Speaking to IndyStar, the reigning champion insisted that he had had no contact with Audi. « Everything is false. I know you can’t believe me on my word, but I promise you. Everything is false,” he said. « I had no contact with Audi. Zero. I know you can’t take it [as truth], but I had no contact,” he added.

Álex Palou seized the opportunity to look back on his brief Formula 1 career and clearly stated that he is not seeking to join the discipline at the moment. “I’m not going to say much, but I’m not looking to go back to F1. I tried. I had a glimpse, it was fun, I learned, but it didn’t materialize, so I’m fine like this,” he admitted. “I’m not here waiting for news and sending an email [to Audi] saying, ‘Hey, I know we’re not in touch, but can we discuss?’ I’m good, I’m fine,” he added.

With Spanish officially set aside, Audi’s options remain open for a few more weeks. Other candidates such as Liam Lawson, reserve driver for Red Bull, and Gabriel Bortoleto, a driver in Formula 2 for Invicta Racing, are still under surveillance. Audi, who previously had their sights on Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon, now has no choice but to keep one of the Sauber drivers or look outside of Formula 1. The question remains whether the team will rely on Valtteri Bottas’ experience or take the risk of developing a young talent.