Monday, December 29, 2025

Alex Palou Seals Third IndyCar Title, Dismisses F1 Rumors to Chase Second Indy 500 Win

Alex Palou, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, secured his third consecutive IndyCar Series title in 2025, wrapping up the championship after a strong performance in Portland with two races still remaining. His impressive lead in the drivers‘ standings, accumulating 626 points, marks another milestone in what has been a dominant season.

Palou’s 2025 campaign featured eight victories out of fifteen races, bringing him within reach of the all-time record for most wins in a single IndyCar season held by legends A.J. Foyt and Al Unser Sr., who both tallied ten victories. Palou’s consistent excellence on the track continues to elevate his status among top IndyCar competitors.

In a moment bridging different sports disciplines, Palou reacted to LIV Golf champion Jon Rahm’s Indianapolis 500-inspired celebration after Rahm won the season-long individual title at LIV Golf Indy. Rahm honored his win by pouring milk over his head IndyCar style, a gesture Palou shared on social media, showing respect across sports.

Palou Addresses Formula One Speculation, Emphasizes Commitment to IndyCar

Amid ongoing rumors linking Palou to the new Cadillac Formula One team, the driver firmly dismissed potential moves to F1, expressing a clear desire to remain focused on furthering his IndyCar success rather than switching series. Speaking to Fox Sports, Palou shared his concerns about leaving IndyCar even temporarily, fearing he might lose ground with competitors if he steps away.

Alex Palou
Image of: Alex Palou

“I don’t want to leave now. Even if they say, ‘No, don’t worry, you can come back in one or two years, what if suddenly everyone is here and I’m never able to catch back up to them? And it wasn’t in my mind last year, and it’s not in my mind this year. It’s getting less and less and less every day, and with this, it’s like, ‘No, I want to get another (Indy 500 victory),’” Palou said (via Fox Sports).

Palou contrasted the Formula One environment with IndyCar, highlighting the more personal and family-oriented culture he enjoys in the latter. He noted that in IndyCar, drivers often celebrate wins alongside their families and spend time engaging with mechanics, experiences he feels would be different in F1.

“I don’t see people celebrating with their wives and their kids as much as we do. I don’t see them hanging in the bus lot or having dinner with their mechanics. I only enjoy driving and having fun and being with my people, so I think (F1) is the total opposite,” he added.

Looking Ahead: Palou’s Pursuit of Indy 500 Glory Continues

By securing his third consecutive title, Palou has solidified his place as one of IndyCar’s most successful drivers of this era. His ambition now extends beyond the championship to achieving a second Indianapolis 500 victory, a feat that would further engrave his legacy in the sport. Remaining with Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou appears focused on maintaining his momentum through the remainder of the season and beyond.

His commitment to IndyCar underscores the series‘ importance to him both professionally and personally, setting the stage for future battles on the track as Palou chases historic achievements and adds to his growing list of accolades.