Red Bull Racing is reportedly interested in signing four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou to join Max Verstappen as a teammate. This development comes despite Palou’s explicit refusal to honor his existing contract with Arrow McLaren, which involved a reserve driver role and the possibility of a future Formula 1 seat. Instead, Palou has expressed a strong desire to continue his career in IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing, the team where he has achieved all his titles.
Palou initially signed with Arrow McLaren in 2022 and was slated to join the F1 team for the 2023 season. However, Chip Ganassi Racing successfully negotiated a delay on that move, and with McLaren securing long-term contracts for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Palou chose not to pursue the path to Formula 1 with the Papaya team. IndyStar reports indicate that Red Bull is now looking to bring Palou into its driver lineup, offering him a chance to partner with Verstappen in Formula 1—the sport’s top squad over the past three years.
Current Struggles with Red Bull’s Second Driver Role
Red Bull has faced ongoing challenges in finding a consistent and competitive second driver to back up Verstappen. Several drivers, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda, have occupied the number two seat but failed to match Verstappen’s dominating pace. Perez’s underwhelming performance in the 2024 season, despite Verstappen’s multiple race wins, contributed to Red Bull losing the Constructors’ championship.
While Verstappen remains the frontrunner in the Drivers’ championship, Tsunoda has managed to score points in only a handful of races during the current season. This ongoing difficulty with the second driver spot has made the prospect of signing a highly skilled and proven winner like Palou an attractive option for the Milton Keynes outfit.
Alex Palou’s Clear Preference to Stay in IndyCar
Despite interest from Red Bull and speculation about a possible move to Formula 1, Alex Palou has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to IndyCar racing. After winning the prestigious 2025 Indianapolis 500, Palou was asked about his future in F1, but he emphasized that he does not want to leave his current championship series at this time.
“I don’t want to leave now,” said the 2025 Indy 500 winner
“[F1] is not calling me anymore. I still follow it. It’s a huge series. It’s amazing. I’m a big fan, but I don’t think they’re having as much fun as I’m having here. 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,” added Palou (via IndyStar)
Palou’s remarks highlight the contrast between the close-knit atmosphere of IndyCar and the high-pressure environment of Formula 1. His connection to Chip Ganassi Racing and his success in the IndyCar series, including becoming only the fourth driver to secure three consecutive championships, underscore his dedication to American open-wheel racing.
Denials of Transfer Talks and the Road Ahead
Despite external reports linking Palou to Red Bull, both the driver and his manager, Roger Yasukawa, have denied any negotiations with the Milton Keynes-based Formula 1 team. According to sources cited by IndyStar, Red Bull’s interest is genuine, but discussions have yet to materialize into formal talks.
The possibility of Palou joining Red Bull carries significant implications for both the driver and the team. For Red Bull, landing a multi-title IndyCar champion could finally resolve the persistent challenge of securing a strong second driver to support Verstappen. For Palou, the offer presents a lucrative opportunity to enter the pinnacle of motorsport, although his current focus remains firmly on IndyCar success.
Previously, there were also rumors about Palou joining Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri (now VCarb), signaling ongoing interest from the Red Bull stable in his talents. Whether Palou will reconsider Formula 1 in the near future remains uncertain, but as of now, his ambitions are aligned with continuing his championship-winning trajectory in IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing.
