Is Red Bull showing interest in Alex Palou?

      Across the Atlantic there are rumours that Red Bull Racing is showing interest in Alex Palou. The American press reports that the four-time IndyCar champion is being considered as a possible candidate to be Max Verstappen's teammate.

      The Spanish driver for Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has clearly dominated the American series, winning four titles in the last five years, but has repeatedly said that a move to Formula 1 is not in his immediate plans. However, the Indianapolis-based newspaper Indy Star insists the situation could change; it cites unnamed sources "with direct access to information on the progress of the talks."

      That said, it immediately adds that it is unclear at what stage the negotiations are. When Palou was asked the direct question yesterday, he categorically said he had never heard of any talks between his management and Red Bull Racing and that he was not involved in any such negotiations.

      Roger Yasukawa, the 28-year-old driver's manager, told an Indy Star reporter the same, and a CGR representative assured that Alex Palou has an active contract with the team and will continue to drive its No. 10 car going forward.

      Nevertheless, the paper reports the contract contains a clause allowing early termination, but this would require paying a substantial sum as a buyout.

      This is not the first time other teams have shown interest in Palou's services. In 2022 Alex sought to move to Arrow McLaren, but it ended in litigation in which the American courts sided with Chip Ganassi Racing. He remained with the team and in 2023 won his second IndyCar title.

      But later that same year Palou made another attempt to join McLaren Racing and was even at one point considered a reserve driver for the British Formula 1 team; however, that move also resulted in legal proceedings. This time McLaren initiated the dispute, arguing that Alex breached his contract, causing tens of millions of dollars in lost profits. The case is being heard in the UK, is still ongoing, and the trial is due to take place in six weeks.