IndyCar's Palou slams "fake" Audi F1 rumors

Alex Palou has vehemently denied reports linking him to a potential move to Formula 1 and Sauber/Audi for the 2025 season, insisting he has had "zero" contact with the German manufacturer.

The rumors, originating from German publication Auto Motor und Sport, suggested that Palou was being considered for a seat at the Swiss outfit next year alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

However, the Chip Ganassi Racing charger has moved to quickly dismiss the outlandish claims.

“It’s all fake. I know you cannot take my word, but I promise. It’s all fake,” Palou told daily newspaper IndyStar. “I’ve had no contacts with Audi. Zero.”

Palou also made it clear that his manager, Roger Yasukawa, has not had any contact with Sauber/Audi’s management.

The speculation surrounding Palou’s potential move to Formula 1 is not new. After winning his first IndyCar championship in 2021, he was linked with a possible drive at McLaren, which led to a high-profile contractual dispute between McLaren and his current team, Chip Ganassi Racing.

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The matter was eventually resolved with Palou agreeing to serve as a test and reserve driver for McLaren while continuing to race in IndyCar for Ganassi until the end of 2023.

This episode, according to Palou, was driven by his former management team, which he has since parted ways with.

Reflecting on his brief flirtation with F1 as a test driver for McLaren, Palou admitted that while he had once been interested, it was not something he was actively pursuing anymore.

“Zero, zero. I know you cannot take it [as truth], but I have not,” he added. “I’m not going to say much, but I’m not trying to go. I tried. I got a small taste, and it was fun, and I learned, but it didn’t happen, so I’m good.

“I’m not desperately seeing the news there and sending an email [to team officials] like, ‘Hey, I know we’re not in contact, but can we talk?’ I’m good, I’m good.”

While Palou's contract with Chip Ganassi Racing reportedly includes a $1.5 million buyout clause for Formula 1 teams, the driver's lack of interest in making the switch seems to have cooled any potential rumors.

With his continued dominance in IndyCar, Palou seems content to remain in the series where he has built his legacy, leaving the allure of Formula 1 behind—at least for now.

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