Palou rules out Cadillac F1 candidacy: ‘I’m not looking for a change’

Three-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou has ruled himself out of contention for a seat with the Cadillac F1 team, suggesting that his days of chasing a dream in Formula 1 are behind him.

The 28-year-old Spaniard, who has dominated American open-wheel racing in recent years, says his focus is entirely on continuing his success in IndyCar – having built his life in the U.S. to match that commitment.

Palou has been the subject of growing calls from fans to join Cadillac’s 2026 F1 entry amid the fledgling team’s driver line-up explorations for 2026.

With Cadillac expressing interest in both experienced F1 drivers and potential American talents, Palou’s name frequently appears in fan debates online.

But the Chip Ganassi Racing star has now shut the door on the speculation, his roots now firmly planted in America. While Palou acknowledges his past ambitions in Formula 1, mainly with McLaren, he is clear about his current stance.

“We built a house!” Palou told RACER. “Took us like 14 months. Everybody knows that I tried with everything to do F1; I was all-in.

“It was not even just, ‘I'll try a little bit.’ It was all-in. It didn't work.”

That failure hasn’t dampened Palou’s career trajectory – far from it. He remains the benchmark in IndyCar, having won three titles in four years, and currently leading the 2025 championship.

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Furthermore, his recent contract extension with CGR and relocation to Indiana further solidified his commitment to IndyCar long-term.

While a buyout clause in his contract technically allows an F1 team like Cadillac to acquire his services, it’s widely believed to be set at a price tag so high that no team is expected to table an offer.

“I’m Glad That I Have an Amazing Opportunity Here”

Palou is clear and unequivocal about his stance on returning to the F1 conversation, stating that he’s neither looking for a change nor engaged in talks with any teams.

“I would put it as I'm not looking to go there,” he said. “I had my half a chance, or maybe more like a 10-percent chance, and it didn't work out.

“That's fine, and I'm glad that I have amazing opportunity here, and it's going well. I’ve had no contacts (in F1). I'm not looking for a change.”

With Cadillac believed to be eyeing veterans like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and considering American prospects such as Colton Herta and Jak Crawford, Palou’s absence from the shortlist makes perfect sense.

As much as fans may want to see him mix it with the best in F1, Palou’s heart – and future – are clearly entrenched in IndyCar.

In a world where drivers often chase every opportunity to reach the F1 grid, Palou’s steadfast loyalty to the series that gave him a platform to become a star is both rare and refreshing.

And with the way he continues to dominate the championship, it’s hard to argue with his choice.

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