Alex Palou, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, commemorated a decade of his relationship with his wife, Esther Valle, through a heartfelt post on his Instagram. The celebration coincided with this year’s Indianapolis 500 festivities following Palou’s historic victory, using the occasion to honor both his family and racing achievements.
The 28-year-old shared several photographs on July 7 featuring warm embraces and affectionate moments with Esther Valle, alongside one image including their daughter, Lucia. The couple’s journey began when Palou was just 17, and this year marked their tenth anniversary together. They formalized their union in 2023, the same year their daughter was born.
Background on Esther Valle’s Role in Motorsport and Private Life
Esther Valle, well-known for her presence alongside Palou during racing events, prefers maintaining a private life away from public attention. Professionally, she is engaged in motorsport management, previously contributing as a team manager at Jota Sports and serving as PR and communications manager with Campos Racing. Currently, she holds a team manager role within another motorsports organization, supporting the racing world off the track.
Alex Palou’s Remarkable 2025 Racing Season
Palou’s 2025 season stands out with exceptional performance, having won six out of nine races so far and holding a commanding 113-point lead over challenger Kyle Kirkwood in the IndyCar Series standings. His triumph at this year’s Indianapolis 500 distinguished him as the first Spaniard to claim victory in the event, underscoring his stature in the sport.
Life Lessons Delivered Through Play: Palou’s Approach with Daughter Lucia
In a candid conversation with James Hinchcliffe during an IndyCar Season in Review feature, Palou described how he incorporates lessons about life into moments shared with his daughter through the card game UNO. He mentioned his use of challenging moves, like the “plus five” card, to prepare her for unpredictable realities beyond childhood.
“Did you see the picture when I had plus five laid out? She was not expecting that move from me. She needs to get ready for life. Life in general it’s like that. Everybody cheats around you. Everybody. When I mean everybody, it’s everybody. Even her dad is gonna cheat and that’s fine. She needs to keep on working, and it is what it is.” —Alex Palou, IndyCar Champion
Palou expressed that he holds no specific expectations regarding Lucia’s future career, emphasizing his willingness to support whatever path she chooses. However, he also voiced a preference for her to avoid entering the world of racing, recognizing the demanding and harsh nature of the sport.
This personal insight reveals Palou’s thoughtful balance between guiding his daughter and understanding the realities she will face. His anniversary tribute not only celebrates family milestones but also highlights the meaningful values he imparts amid a high-profile racing career.
