'Fake' Audi F1 rumours addressed by IndyCar champion

IndyCar driver Alex Palou has described rumours linking him to the vacant Stake F1 seat for next season as "fake", following reports that he is on Audi's radar. 

The spot alongside Nico Hulkenberg is one of the last to be filled on the grid for next year, with Audi wanting a strong duo ahead of its arrival in 2026 when the new power unit regulations are introduced. 

Red Bull junior Liam Lawson is just one of the names to have been linked to the seat, whilst current Stake F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are in need of a spot for next season.

It is not Palou's first time being linked to an F1 switch, with him having previously tested for McLaren. 

He was set to join McLaren Racing in IndyCar, only to remain with Chip Ganassi Racing which led to a lawsuit.

In regard to the newest rumours linking the Spaniard with an F1 move, Palou has rejected all the speculation.

"It’s all fake. I know you cannot take my word, but I promise," Palou told IndyStar.

"It’s all fake. I’ve had no contacts with Audi. Zero."

No Audi contact

Palou is only 27 years old and is already a two-time IndyCar champion, with him currently looking set for a third title. 

On top of the Audi rumours being silenced by Palou, IndyStar also reported that the Spanish driver has a get-out clause in his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing, if a team pays $1.5 million. 

Whilst Palou concedes that he did enjoy his "small taste" in F1, his current intention is not finding a seat on the 2025 grid. 

He has also stressed that his manager Roger Yasukawa has had no contact with Audi.

“Zero, zero,” Palou insisted. “I know you cannot take it [as truth], but I have not.

“I’m not going to say much, but I’m not trying to go [to F1]. I tried. I got a small taste, and it was fun, and I learned, but it didn’t happen, so I’m good.

“I’m not desperately seeing the news there and sending an email [to Audi] like, ‘Hey, I know we’re not in contact, but can we talk?’ I’m good, I’m good.”