Crimson Bull is focusing on IndyCar champion Alex Palou to affix its Components 1 group in 2026, based on a report within the USA.
The Indianapolis Star claims Crimson Bull needs to lure Palou away from the collection to affix Max Verstappen subsequent 12 months. Such a transfer would depart Verstappen’s present group mate Yuki Tsunoda with out a drive.
Palou has been a revelation since he joined IndyCar with the Coyne squad in 2020. He joined powerhouse group Ganassi the next 12 months and gained 5 races on his solution to the title. Though he slipped to fifth the next 12 months, he gained the following three championships in a row.
His newest victory was probably the most emphatic but. Palou gained 5 of the primary six rounds this 12 months within the extremely aggressive, spec-chassis collection. He clinched the title with two rounds to spare, an uncommon achievement in a championship which is often determined on the last spherical.
Palou has come near leaving Ganassi and shifting into F1 earlier than. Throughout 2022 Palou introduced he wouldn’t keep at Ganassi whereas McLaren mentioned he would be part of their group.
The row was finally resolved with Palou staying at Ganassi’s IndyCar group. Though he examined McLaren’s F1 automotive and appeared for them in an official follow session throughout the 2022 United States Grand Prix on the Circuit of the Americas, he by no means joined their F1 squad. McLaren later took Palou to court docket over his choice to not drive for them.
Palou’s rising domination of IndyCar has prompted hypothesis he may change disciplines. A transfer in 2026 would give him two alternatives to race in entrance of his dwelling crowd, within the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on the Circuit de Catalunya and the Spanish Grand Prix at its new dwelling on a road observe in Madrid.
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He can be the newest in a collection of group mates for Verstappen at Crimson Bull. Since Daniel Ricciardo left on the finish of 2018 the group has employed and fired Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson. The latter made manner for Tsunoda after beginning simply two rounds for Crimson Bull initially of the 12 months.
Palou would be part of two different Spanish drivers in F1, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz Jnr. Following Palou’s victory within the Indianapolis 500 earlier this 12 months Sainz mentioned “somebody that’s able to profitable the Indy 500, he a minimum of ought to sooner or later be given the prospect to point out what he can do in Components 1.”
Video: Palou clinches 2025 IndyCar title
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