Sainz and Alonso hail Palou’s Indy 500 win, call for F1 chance

Alex Palou’s resounding win in last weekend’s Indy 500 echoed across the Atlantic and into the F1 paddock where Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso heaped praise – and a little speculation – on their countryman for his milestone achievement.

The win marked Palou as the first Spaniard to conquer the iconic American race and sparked fervent admiration from Sainz and Alonso when they were queried on the Chip Ganassi Racing’s exploit ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The Williams driver in particular couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for Palou’s achievement, seeing it as a testament to the outstanding talent of a driver with whom he shared the karting tracks during their formative years in racing in Spain.

Sainz believes Palou’s ability to dominate IndyCar, capped by his Indy 500 triumph, warrants a chance to showcase his skills in Formula 1’s high-pressure environment.

Sainz’s Call for Palou’s F1 Chance

“I think someone that is capable of winning in Indy, winning the Indy 500, at least he should be given the chance to show what he can do in Formula 1 at some point,” Sainz said. "And if he's quick enough in Formula 1, then he should be welcome in Formula 1.

“I think he got to test the McLaren car a few times. I always rated Alex very highly because I was his teammate in cadet karting and he was very quick!

“But honestly speaking, what he's doing in America is something really admirable.

“I think to dominate [IndyCar] the way he's dominating, you have to be very good. Formula 1 is a completely different discipline, different world, but I don't have anything else than respect and admiration for what Alex is doing in Indy.”

Sainz’s comments underscore not just national pride but a genuine belief in Palou’s potential to bridge the gap between two very different worlds of racing.

While Formula 1 and IndyCar remain stylistically and technically distinct, the Williams charger driver sees enough raw talent in Palou to justify a serious look from the F1 paddock.

Alonso Hails a Legend in the Making

Few drivers are better positioned to appreciate Palou’s American accolades than Fernando Alonso, who has taken on the Indy 500 challenge himself three times.

The Aston Martin driver’s praise for Palou was effusive – not just for the recent victory, but for a body of work that now defines Palou as an IndyCar great.

“Great for Spain first of all, great for him,” Alonso said. “To have the Indy 500 now after winning the series in IndyCar for a few consecutive seasons, and now leading the championship as well. So he’s doing great there.

“I know most of the drivers would dream about a Formula 1 seat and having a career here, but he had the opportunity in IndyCar and he maximized every single day there.

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“He’s a legend in IndyCar and he will always be a legend in IndyCar, so I think he’s not missing Formula 1 and I’m very happy for him because he’s a very, very talented driver.

“We are just following here with a lot of respect – and as a fan, because I was watching the race on Sunday and hoping he would finally make it, and he did it, so happy for him.”

For Spanish motorsport, Palou’s triumph is more than just a win – it’s a defining moment. And for Sainz and Alonso, it’s a proud, powerful reminder that the red-and-yellow flag can fly high on either side of the Atlantic.

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