IndyCar Champion Alex Palou makes a bold assertion that could shake the very foundations of Formula 1! In a stunning commentary, Palou claims that if Max Verstappen had been behind the wheel of a McLaren, he would have clinched the World Championship long before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In 2025, McLaren basked in the glory of its first double title in 27 years, with Lando Norris seizing the Drivers’ Championship in a nail-biting conclusion. However, while Norris celebrated his triumph, teammate Oscar Piastri experienced a devastating collapse, relinquishing a commanding 34-point lead in August to ultimately finish third. The narrative shifted dramatically as Verstappen, the Dutch dynamo, surged back to narrowly miss retaining his crown by a mere two points, showcasing a series of breathtaking performances that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Palou, who previously found himself embroiled in a heated legal battle with McLaren, did not shy away from weighing in on the team’s recent F1 achievements. He lauded Verstappen as the pinnacle of talent in the sport today. “If Max Verstappen had driven the McLaren in 2025, he would have become World Champion two months before the end of the season. I am absolutely convinced of that,” Palou declared emphatically to Mundo Deportivo. “Max is the only one in the field, I believe, who is capable of something like that.”
When probed about his own potential to challenge for the title in the MCL39, Palou displayed confidence, though he acknowledged the limitations of his experience in F1, having only raced once in Texas in 2022. “We’ll never know, but I believe in my abilities, so I suppose I’d have to answer yes,” he stated, hinting at the untapped potential within him.
As the motorsport world buzzes with Palou’s incendiary comments, one thing is clear: the rivalry between McLaren drivers and the legendary Verstappen continues to heat up. Can McLaren maintain their supremacy, or are they destined for another season of turmoil? The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the coming years, and with voices like Palou’s ringing in the air, the stakes have never been higher!
