Chip Ganassi Dismisses Alex Palou-Red Bull Rumors as 'Clickbait'
Why it matters: The widespread rumor linking four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou to a Red Bull Racing F1 seat for 2026 has been definitively shut down by his team owner, Chip Ganassi. This intervention clarifies the swirling speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's potential future teammate.
The details:
- Earlier this week, various sources reported Red Bull Racing's interest in Alex Palou to partner Max Verstappen in 2026.
- Palou, a highly successful four-time IndyCar champion with Chip Ganassi Racing, was the focal point of these F1 transfer rumors.
- Responding to an inquiry from AP News, Ganassi stated unequivocally that the rumors are "completely untrue."
- He confirmed that neither Palou nor his management had engaged in any discussions regarding a potential F1 move with Red Bull.
- Ganassi explicitly labeled the entire story as "clickbait," dismissing its credibility.
Between the lines: Palou previously held a contract with McLaren but ultimately did not secure an F1 seat, choosing instead to focus on his highly successful IndyCar career, where he has become a dominant force.
What's next: The search for Max Verstappen's 2026 teammate within the Red Bull family continues.
- Yuki Tsunoda's long-term position at the team remains unconfirmed.
- Emerging talents like Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad are considered viable options for a future F1 seat. Helmut Marko, a key figure in Red Bull's driver program, has even called Lindblad the 'new Verstappen,' highlighting his potential.