IndyCar superstar Alex Palou has received backing from Alpine boss Oliver Oakes to excel in Formula 1, with the three-time IndyCar champion hailed as “very fast” and capable of making waves in the pinnacle of motorsport. However, despite this praise, Palou's future in F1 seems more elusive than ever.
A course built for greatness
Palou cemented his legacy as one of IndyCar's modern greats, winning three Drivers' Championships with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). Yet the Spaniard's impressive career is still missing two crucial milestones: a victory at the iconic Indianapolis 500 and a chance at Formula 1.
Palou has come tantalizingly close to entering the F1 paddock, securing a reserve driver role at McLaren in 2022. He even took part in testing and a Free Practice 1 session at the Grand Prix of the United States. But his F1 ambitions were derailed when a legal dispute between McLaren and CGR over his services forced him to return to IndyCar, where he continued his dominance with back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
The glowing praise of Oliver Oakes
Oliver Oakes, who worked with Palou during his 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Championship campaign, believes the Spaniard has the makings of an F1 contender. Speaking on the podcast Beyond the GridOakes said: “It would be quick [en F1]Yes. Was he a three-time IndyCar champion? I think it would be very good, yes. »
Oakes, whose motorsport career spans from driving to founding Hitech Grand Prix and now running Alpine, expressed his admiration for Palou's achievements. Reflecting on his own unrealized aspirations in the American racing scene, Oakes admitted: “I was very close to going to Indy Lights in the United States, and that is a big regret. »
Alpine's Talent Pipeline: Fierce Competition
While Oakes praises Palou's potential, Alpine is focused on developing its own roster of young talent. The team enters the 2025 season with Pierre Gasly leading the charge alongside rookie Jack Doohan, who earned a promotion to full-time after serving as a reserve driver. However, the team's depth doesn't stop there.
-Franco Colapinto, a rising star recently signed by Williams, joins Alpine as a reserve driver, sparking speculation of a possible mid-season driver shake-up. Reports suggest Colapinto's contract runs until 2029, giving Alpine ample time to develop the Argentine prodigy. Paul Aron, a race winner in Formula 2, also adds to the team's wealth of talent.
This competitive backdrop puts added pressure on Doohan to perform in his rookie season, with whispers that Colapinto could replace him if results falter.
The Palou gate in F1: closed or just ajar?
Despite Oakes' confidence in Palou's F1 abilities, the Spaniard's chances of making the jump appear slim. At 27, Palou is no longer the young prospect many teams favor, and his contractual commitments as well as his dedication to IndyCar make a sudden change unlikely. Yet his achievements have undoubtedly caught the attention of the motorsport world.
What’s next for Alex Palou?
For now, Palou's focus remains on IndyCar, where he will continue to chase a win at the Indianapolis 500 to complete his legacy. But his name persists as a captivating “what if” in Formula 1 circles, a reminder of the talent that could have thrived on the world's biggest stage.
As Alpine juggles its driver lineup and F1 fans dream of seeing IndyCar's best pitted against the cream of the crop, Palou's legacy as one of the brightest stars in racing race remains intact—even if his F1 debut never materializes.
