Ganassi and Palou deny rumors regarding Red Bull F1.

      "I wouldn't hold him back, and he might feel the allure."

      Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi have both categorically rejected the rumors connecting the four-time IndyCar champion to a seat at Red Bull Formula 1. The 28-year-old Spaniard, who has consistently excelled at Chip Ganassi Racing, securing championships in 2021, 2023, 2024, and this season, found himself unexpectedly mentioned in F1 speculation this week. Indy Star reported that "sources with direct knowledge of the discussions" indicated Red Bull's interest for 2026.

      However, Ganassi stated that the claim was unfounded. "I saw it, obviously," he told the media. "But no one has reached out to us. I called Alex, and he hasn’t talked to anyone either, not even his manager," the team owner continued. "None of us have any information, so I believe it’s just a clickbait story. Naturally, I don’t want to lose him—who would? He had the chance to leave before, but he chose to stay."

      Nonetheless, Ganassi recognized why competitors would be keen. "Let me put it this way: if you have the driver everyone wants, that's a valuable asset. Is Formula 1 a threat? I think we are the threat. We strive to provide our drivers with the best, and I believe that’s working well for Alex."

      When asked if Palou might pursue the prestige of F1, Ganassi remarked: "I’m not sure, but I hope it’s not the case. Alex is more like a brother to me than anything else. There are a couple of highly sought-after seats available, but beyond that... I wouldn’t want to see him leave to be a second driver elsewhere. I wouldn’t stop him, and he might feel the pull, but I can’t see him trading the chance to win the greatest race in the world (the Indy 500) for others that aren’t."

      However, Ganassi didn’t completely close off the possibility. "There are no expectations other than Alex being here," he insisted.

      Meanwhile, the German outlet f1-insider.com, which is frequently well-informed regarding Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko, also dismissed the rumors, stating: "Red Bull has no interest in the Spaniard, and the speculation is said to originate from Daniele Audetto." Audetto is a former manager at Ferrari and currently serves as a senior advisor to Palou.

      Palou himself reiterated the denials on Tuesday, saying: "There was nothing, absolutely nothing. We didn’t receive any communication from anyone. The only thing I heard was that it was the manager of another IndyCar driver, who was interested in my seat, that started this."