Alex Palou, the Spanish IndyCar driver, credits NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson for offering vital advice that shifted his mindset during their time as teammates at Chip Ganassi Racing between 2021 and 2022. This insight helped Palou prepare mentally for his pursuit of his first IndyCar championship in 2021, a pivotal year in his racing career.
Palou began his IndyCar career in 2020 and joined Chip Ganassi Racing the following season, coinciding with Jimmie Johnson’s move into IndyCar after a celebrated NASCAR Cup Series career. Johnson’s wealth of experience, especially as a seven-time Cup champion, became a resource for the younger driver during his crucial title campaign.
Reflecting on Johnson’s impact on his championship-winning journey, Palou explained on the Pit Pass Indy podcast:
“But yeah, he’s taught me a lot about winning, about keeping always pushing for a little bit more to try and get more wins, more championships, and just to still have that fire inside. And yeah, I’m just lucky that I got to share a couple of years as a teammate with him.” (29:43 onwards)
Additionally, Johnson’s simple yet powerful advice before Palou’s first championship battle at Long Beach resonated deeply with the Spaniard:
“He said that I just had to be myself. He said that the best thing that his dad told him was that he said, ‘Hey, Jimmy, just be yourself, idiot.’ And it’s funny, that was before his first championship battle, and that’s what he told me before my first championship battle at Long Beach. So it kind of makes you realise that at the end of the day, it’s only racing and we only need to do our best to try and beat them all.”
This advice underscored the importance of authenticity and focus, helping Palou maintain his competitive edge throughout the season.
Current Status of the Palou-Johnson Relationship
Although Alex Palou and Jimmie Johnson are no longer racing together following the conclusion of the 2022 IndyCar season, their friendship remains intact. They are not in frequent contact but continue to share a strong bond built during their time as teammates.
Talking further about their relationship, Palou shared on the podcast:
“We don’t speak like every week, but yeah, I exchanged a couple [of] messages [with him]. He sent me a couple of congrats messages this year at the [Indy] 500. I saw him at the 500, when I met [Tom] Brady and he was around, it was cool. So he’s such a great guy and I cannot wait to see him again.” (31:10 onwards)
Johnson transitioned back to NASCAR after 2022, making several appearances with the Legacy Motor Club team in the Cup Series, while Palou continues to focus on his IndyCar career.
Palou’s Rising Trajectory and Championship Aspirations
Since receiving Johnson’s mentorship, Alex Palou has continued to develop into one of IndyCar’s premier talents. By 2025, he secured his fourth IndyCar championship and achieved the rare feat of winning three consecutive titles. This streak positions him within reach of tying the record for most consecutive championships held by Sebastian Bourdais.
At only 28 years old, Palou’s career is still in its relatively early stages, with many seasons ahead. Maintaining his current performance could allow him to match or even surpass Bourdais’ record, further cementing his legacy in the series.
With his strong competitive spirit and solid foundation built in part through Jimmie Johnson’s guidance, Palou appears set for continued success in IndyCar’s highly competitive landscape.
