IndyCar superstar Alex Palou has been backed by Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes to excel in Formula 1, with the three-time IndyCar champion lauded as “very quick” and capable of making waves in the pinnacle of motorsport. However, despite the glowing endorsement, Palou’s F1 future seems more elusive than ever.
A résumé built for greatness
Palou has cemented his legacy as one of IndyCar’s modern greats, clinching three Drivers’ Championships with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). Yet, the Spaniard’s impressive career still lacks two crucial milestones: a victory at the iconic Indianapolis 500 and a shot at Formula 1.
Palou came tantalizingly close to entering the F1 paddock, earning a reserve role with McLaren in 2022. He even participated in testing and a Free Practice 1 session at the United States Grand Prix. But his F1 ambitions were derailed when a legal dispute between McLaren and CGR over his services saw him return to IndyCar, where he continued his dominance with back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
Oliver Oakes’ glowing endorsement
Oliver Oakes, who worked with Palou during his 2018 campaign in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, believes the Spaniard has the makings of an F1 contender. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Oakes said, “He’d be quick [in F1], yeah. Was he a three-time IndyCar champion? I think he’d be very good, yeah.”
Oakes, whose career in motorsport spans from driving to founding Hitech Grand Prix and now leading Alpine, expressed admiration for Palou’s accomplishments. Reflecting on his own unfulfilled aspirations in the American racing scene, Oakes admitted, “I was very close to going over to Indy Lights in the US, and that’s a big regret.”
The Alpine talent pipeline: Fierce competition
While Oakes praises Palou’s potential, Alpine is focused on nurturing its own roster of young talent. The team heads into the 2025 season with Pierre Gasly leading the charge alongside rookie Jack Doohan, who earned a full-time promotion after serving as reserve driver. However, the team’s depth doesn’t stop there.
Franco Colapinto, a rising star freshly signed from Williams, joins Alpine as a reserve driver, creating speculation about a potential mid-season driver shake-up. Reports suggest that Colapinto’s contract runs through 2029, giving Alpine ample time to develop the Argentine prodigy. Paul Aron, a race-winner in Formula 2, also adds to the team’s wealth of talent.
This competitive environment puts added pressure on Doohan to perform in his rookie season, with whispers that Colapinto could replace him if results falter.
Palou’s F1 door: Closed or just ajar?
Despite Oakes’ confidence in Palou’s F1 capabilities, the Spaniard’s chances of making the leap appear slim. At 27, Palou is no longer the youthful prospect many teams prioritize, and his contractual entanglements and commitment to IndyCar make a sudden switch unlikely. Yet, his achievements have undeniably caught the attention of the motorsport world.
What’s next for Alex Palou?
For now, Palou’s focus remains on IndyCar, where he’ll continue chasing an Indianapolis 500 victory to complete his legacy. But his name persists as a tantalizing “what if” in Formula 1 circles, a reminder of the talent that could have thrived on the world’s biggest stage.
As Alpine juggles its driver lineup and F1 fans dream of seeing IndyCar’s best tested against the crème de la crème, Palou’s legacy as one of racing’s brightest stars remains unshaken—even if his F1 debut never comes to fruition.
