Why Alex Palou believes F1 is ‘total opposite’ of IndyCar

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou recently spoke about why he feels F1 is the 'total opposite' of IndyCar. Palou is one of the drivers in contention for the Cadillac Formula One seat for next season.

The 2025 Indy 500 winner currently drives the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing car powered by Honda. He has been linked with the Cadillac seat in Formula One by multiple media outlets. However, Palou quashed this notion, as he considers Formula One to be the 'total opposite' of IndyCar. He believes in spending more time with his family and crew, which IndyCar allows him to do.

While in conversation with Coaches Database, the Spaniard made his feelings known about entering Formula One. Here's what he said,

"It’s amazing, I’m a big fan, but I don’t think they’re having as much fun as I’m having here. I don’t see people celebrating with their wives and their kids as much as we do. I don’t see them hanging in the bus lot or having dinner with their mechanics. I only enjoy driving and having fun and being with my people, so I think F1 is the total opposite.”

The 28-year-old was previously associated with McLaren as their reserve driver. He tried to enter the sport with the team, but it did not materialize, and he decided to stick with Chip Ganassi Racing. While in conversation with Motorsports.com last year, he revealed the reason why he did not want to wait around.

“I am too old to wait and see if someone gets hurt and that is how I can get my chance. Pato (McLaren's current reserve driver) can wait for someone to get hurt,” he had said.

Alex Palou is currently leading the IndyCar Series championship with a 90-point lead over Pato O'Ward in second place.

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Alex Palou expresses his emotions about his crash with David Malukas at the Detroit Grand Prix

Three-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou had a spectacular start to the season, as he won five out of the six races held. However, that streak came to an end at the Detroit Grand Prix held on June 1 after A.J.Foyt Racing driver David Malukas took him out at turn one with 28 laps of the race left. Palou's car sustained considerable damage, and he had to retire from the race.

While talking to the IndyCar staff writer Curt Cavin, Alex Palou expressed his disappointment about the incident. He said (via IndyCar)

"It doesn’t feel great, but there’s nothing we could have done there. It’s very unfortunate. We did an amazing recovery this weekend (as) we didn’t really have much pace at the beginning (of the weekend). I thought we were running good to try to sneak onto the podium (as a top-three finisher) there at the end.”

Despite the setback, Alex Palou has managed to keep his championship lead and is on his way to securing his fourth IndyCar Series title.