Palou discloses there has been 'no discussion' with Cadillac.

      "Things didn’t go as planned."

      Alex Palou has ruled himself out of contention for a Cadillac race seat in Formula 1. The Spaniard is considered the top driver in American open wheel racing, having won three Indycar championships by the age of 27. His fellow countryman, newly appointed Aston Martin simulator driver Dani Jucadella, recently stated on social media: "If Palou doesn’t get a seat in 2026, I’m going to set X on fire."

      Palou has been closely associated with a potential career in F1 in recent years, even participating in a practice session with McLaren in 2022. However, he became embroiled in a legal battle with the British team and has since concentrated solely on Indycar racing.

      "I believe we might have already reached the point where trying to secure a spot in Formula 1 is no longer viable," Palou told Soy Motor. "Things didn’t go as planned. I think I’m at a stage now where it’s too late."

      Just a few days ago, Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s F1 leader, disclosed that he is in discussions with "seven or eight" possible drivers for the new American team’s 2026 line-up. He mentioned to Speed City that these candidates include seasoned F1 drivers, younger former drivers, and "promising drivers who haven’t yet competed in grand prix but have demonstrated their talent in junior formulas and categories."

      Palou indicated that he is not among those candidates. "To be honest, there’s nothing," he said. "There are no discussions, nor have there ever been. Maybe the success I’m achieving in Indycar would have had more significance if I had experienced it eight years ago, when I was 20."