A recent report suggested IndyCar champion Alex Palou could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2026, but both parties have unequivocally denied the claims. Palou, who secured his third consecutive IndyCar title in 2025, dismissed the speculation as "completely unfounded".
Why it matters
The Red Bull second seat alongside Max Verstappen is a perennial topic of speculation, with numerous drivers failing to secure the role long-term. This latest denial highlights the persistent challenges Red Bull faces in finding a consistent partner for Verstappen.
The details
- Palou's Denial: Palou stated, "There's been nothing, nothing at all. We have heard nothing from anyone." He also speculated the rumor might have been a tactical plant by another IndyCar driver's manager.
- Pragmatism on F1: Palou expressed a pragmatic view on moving to F1, noting that at 29, "You cannot go to F1 as a rookie... You need to go there and perform immediately." He added, "I don't think I am missing out on anything not going to F1."
- Marko's Rejection: Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko firmly shut down the speculation to Kleine Zeitung, stating, "That's not true."
- Verstappen's Praise: Max Verstappen admired Palou's IndyCar achievements, calling them "incredible" and "so impressive." However, he deemed it "a bit of a waste of time" to debate how an IndyCar driver would perform in F1, or vice-versa, due to the inherent unpredictability.
- Alonso's View: Fernando Alonso praised Palou's talent and potential to adapt quickly to F1, saying, "he has the talent and he has the level to adapt very quickly." He emphasized that a fast car would be crucial for an easier transition.
The big picture
Red Bull's struggle to find a stable second driver has seen several talents like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda occupy the seat without full long-term security. While Palou's F1 move is off the table for now, his talent is widely recognized by F1's elite.