Alex Palou, the reigning IndyCar champion, has shared insights into his youthful admiration for seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher. Palou recounted how, as a child, he longed to obtain Schumacher’s autograph but never succeeded in doing so. This glimpse into Palou’s past reveals the roots of his passion for racing and his connection to the sport’s most legendary figures.
Born in Spain, Palou began his racing career on European circuits, where the path to professional motorsport seemed most accessible. Before relocating to the United States to compete in IndyCar, he competed in the Formula racing ladder throughout Europe. In a recent interview with the NY Times, Palou was asked about the first autograph he ever received, reflecting on his early racing experiences near Barcelona.
“I actually don’t remember,” he replied. “Probably somebody from F1 because I used to go to a track near Barcelona, but I actually don’t remember who that person was. I just wanted to see the cars and hear those cars.”
Despite not recalling his initial autograph, Palou vividly remembers his desire to get one from Schumacher.
“I always wanted to get Michael Schumacher’s autograph, and I never got one, so I remember that,” he added.
Tracing Palou’s Journey Through European Racing to IndyCar Success
Palou’s original ambition was to become a Formula 1 driver, a goal reflected in his progression through competitive European championships such as FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2. In 2019, he competed in Japan’s Super Formula series, driving for TCS Nakajima Racing. There, Palou secured a third-place finish in the championship and earned his only win of the season at the Fuji Speedway.
In 2020, Palou made the transition to IndyCar racing with Dale Coyne Racing. His career quickly flourished, leading to three IndyCar championship titles with Chip Ganassi Racing. His dominance continued into the 2025 season, where he delivered impressive results through the initial six races.
Although fans continue to hope he will pursue and fulfill his F1 ambitions alongside Cadillac’s anticipated entry into Formula 1, Palou has expressed diminishing enthusiasm toward that path.
Why Alex Palou Is Moving Past His Formula 1 Aspirations
Recently, Palou addressed speculation about a potential move to Cadillac’s Formula 1 team from 2026 onward. The Spaniard candidly explained why he no longer chases his F1 dream after a limited opportunity with McLaren failed to materialize.
“Everybody knows that I tried everything to get into F1; I was all-in. It wasn’t even just, ‘I’ll try a little bit.’ It was all-in. It didn’t work,” he told RACER.
“I would put it as, I’m not looking to go there. I had my half a chance—or maybe more like a 10-percent chance—and it didn’t work out. That’s fine, and I’m glad that I have an amazing opportunity here, and it’s going well. I’ve had no contacts [in F1]. I’m not looking for a change,” he added.
Palou initially signed with McLaren in 2022 to drive for their IndyCar team in 2023 but decided to remain with Chip Ganassi Racing instead. This led to a contentious legal dispute between him and McLaren, which remains unresolved.
Palou’s Immediate Focus on IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500
Looking ahead, Palou is concentrating on expanding his IndyCar legacy, particularly with the prestigious Indianapolis 500 approaching. Having secured the sixth position on the starting grid, he aims to claim his first Indy 500 victory and maintain an exceptional performance streak with five wins in the first six races of the 2025 season.
This focus demonstrates Palou’s commitment to succeeding in IndyCar for the foreseeable future, shifting away from previous ambitions tied to Formula 1.
