Four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou is the most desirable driver in the American open-wheel racing series, given his dominance in the last half a decade. Motorsport legend Mario Andretti recently came out and revealed how his son, Michael Andretti, wanted to sign the Spaniard at Andretti Global.
Alex Palou arrived on the IndyCar scene with Dale Coyne Racing, and the very next year signed with Chip Ganassi Racing and won his first title. Since then, the Spaniard has only improved in the 2025 season, bringing uncanny dominance.
IndyCar and F1 champion Mario Andretti recently came out and hailed the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, congratulating Palou on the fourth title and the Indy 500 victory. The 85-year-old was questioned about Michael Andretti’s interest in the Spaniard before the CGR move, to which Mario replied,
“Michael and I have spoken several times about how we could sign him if the opportunity arose. But I’m sure we weren’t the only ones. I think he’s at the right club; he seems happy there. We can still expect a lot from him, for sure.” (via Marca)
Michael Andretti has come out in the past and hailed Alex Palou, suggesting that the Spaniard is worthy of racing in F1.
“I have not the slightest doubt that Alex or Colton are ready for Formula 1. They have high potential. I’d put both of them in a Formula 1 car in a heartbeat. I’m sure they can keep up,” said Michael Andretti (via Speedweek)
Michael Andretti ran Andretti Global before moving away from the role ahead of the 2025 season. The former IndyCar champion reportedly sold his majority shares as Dan Towriss was announced as the new CEO of the team, and Andretti Global was taken under the TWG Motorsports umbrella.
Mario Andretti on considering Alex Palou for a Cadillac F1 driver
As the FOM and FIA approved Cadillac’s F1 bid, Mario Andretti was announced as one of the board of directors. The team announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their driver lineup for 2026, with Colton Herta in the reserve driver role. When Mario Andretti was questioned whether he’d be open to considering Alex Palou as one of the drivers for Cadillac, he responded,
“We’re very happy to have Checo and Valtteri because they have experience. Experience, especially for a young team, is very important. So we’re lucky. I know he’s talented, but he’s fresh, and the best opportunity for him is to go to a top team that allows him to achieve results. His talent will surely give him that opportunity.”
Rumors of Alex Palou being considered for a 2026 Red Bull Racing driver spread across the paddock earlier this year, but nothing came of it.
Edited by Pranay Bhagi
