Indy 500 winner makes damning F1 move claim

Alex Palou has dismissed the suggestion he should make the switch to F1, arguing he does not see the virtue in fighting in the midfield, which he believes would be a "waste" of his time.

The three-time IndyCar champion also does not feel the timing is "right" for him to return to Europe, instead preferring to race state-side where he can compete for titles.

Having recently won his first Indianapolis 500, one of the three legs of motorsport's triple crown, there have been increasing calls for the Spaniard to race in F1.

But Palou is not interested for the time being, despite admitting it was his dream to reach the series, having raced in F2 and F3 en route to the US, via Japan, where he competed in 2019 before his IndyCar debut in 2020.

When asked if the lack of interest and fanfare surrounding his achievements from his native Spain, and mainland Europe, bothers him, Palou explained why it does not.

"Not really, because there's no place I'd rather be than here," Palou replied Auto, Motor und Sport. "In IndyCar, I have an outstanding team and the chance to build something big.

"Plus, the competition is crazy! We certainly had a terrific start to the season, but you always need the first practice session to know where you stand. I like this uncertainty due to the extremely close field."

'Why should I waste three or four years...'

The 28-year-old has his admirers in the F1 paddock, including Williams team principal James Vowles, who recently called Palou "super fast".

However, the size of the undertaking facing him, if he were to pursue a seat in the championship, is also well appreciated.

Vowles said it would take a year of testing to prepare him for F1 and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur suggested Palou had been forgotten about by being over in the United States.

When this was put to the 2021, 2023 and 2024 IndyCar champion, he responded: "Don't get me wrong: I love Formula 1 and it was my dream, of course. But the timing just isn't right at the moment.

"Why should I waste three or four years with a team that can't win? That's not my idea of racing. I want to fight for victories – especially at the Indy 500 – and for championships. That's the only way I'm happy."

Palou has a comfortable lead in the 2025 points standings, having won five of the opening seven rounds of the year.

Although he has been caught up in a contract pursuit with McLaren, he is happy with Chip Ganassi Racing and in IndyCar more generally.

When "no Formula 1, no problem" was put to him, he agreed, adding: "Right, because life goes on. This discussion is being led primarily by the fans. I'm following it quite calmly from the perspective of an F1 spectator."