IndyCar champion: "Max and I share a lot of data, and he's truly one of a kind"

Álex Palou is the latest addition to the Formula One rumor mill. The 26-year-old Spaniard is on his way to his second IndyCar Series title and is also active with McLaren's Formula One team as a test and reserve driver. Palou seems an interesting candidate for a seat at AlphaTauri and Williams, among others, and is now addressing the rumors himself.

Palou made his debut for McLaren last year as a young driver in the first free practice session for the United States Grand Prix, where he left a good impression. Earlier this month, he had the opportunity to test the MCL60 alongside regular driver Oscar Piastri. "They are very precise in how you should drive," Palou says about his experiences. "That is very good for my development as a driver. They tell you exactly how to brake. It's very nice, especially when you're not yet fully accustomed to the car. I'm still learning how to best control the car. It's great to challenge myself," Palou tells Motorsport.com.

The Spaniard made his debut for McLaren last year as young driver at the first free practice for the United States Grand Prix, where he left a good impression. Earlier this month he was allowed to test in the MCL60, alongside regular driver Oscar Piastri. "They are very precise in how to drive," Palou says of his experience. "That is very good for my development as a driver. They tell you exactly how to brake. It's very nice, especially if you're not really used to the car yet. I'm still learning how best to drive the car. It's very good to challenge myself," Palou told Motorsport.com.

For now, Palou does not know when he will be able to make some announcements about his plans for next year. According to American media, Palou has a contract with McLaren's 2024 IndyCar team but could get out of that if he can sign a Formula One contract before the end of July. "I don't know that yet, to be honest," Palou said of when we can expect more news. "That day will come, but I don't know if it will be in two, three or four months. Maybe when the season is over, maybe later. We are going to see it, but it will be exciting," the Spaniard reflected.

There is no place at the McLaren team itself next year in any case, as Piastri and teammate Lando Norris both already have contracts for 2024. Still, Palou seems to be putting his focus on Formula One. "The beauty of IndyCar is that everyone can win because everyone has access to the same resources. In Formula One, and maybe that's what makes it beautiful, it's different. In Formula One, you are in the king class of motorsports, and you develop a car, with a big factory. It's a very different mentality. I wouldn't say one is more satisfying than the other."

Awe of teammate Verstappen

"I don't think I am among the best five drivers in the world," Palou modestly revealed in an interview with Marca, after IndyCar colleague Stefan Wilson, younger brother of the late former Formula One driver Justin Wilson, indicated last week that he did think Palou is one of the five best drivers. "It is difficult to compare different drivers in different championships. I think we are doing well, but not that we are among the top five in the world."

Palou does often think about what might be possible in Formula One. "You sometimes think about what you could do in that Red Bull, but I don't think I would be at the level that I could fight with Max. I know that because I often drive against him in sim racing," said Palou, who is an active teammate of Verstappen at Team Redline. "We share a lot of data and he really is one of a kind. There are very few of those."

The Spaniard is currently dominating in the IndyCar Series and appears to be well on his way to his next title. "I don't think we are the Verstappen of IndyCar. Verstappen is at such a level that... I've seen it myself, even if it's in the simulator. I see at what level he drives and I can imagine what he can do with a real car. He really comes from another planet. Of course we do have a good season and hopefully that will continue."

Palou does realize that if he still wants to become a Formula One driver, he should not wait too long. "I'm obviously not nineteen or twenty years old, so I can't wait another eight years," said the 26-year-old. "But it wouldn't be the end of the world if I have to wait another year. I've always said I'm very happy in IndyCar, but if an opportunity presents itself, who am I to say no?"