Verstappen advises Palou to remain in IndyCar.

      "Few individuals have the chance to win"

      Max Verstappen has encouraged IndyCar champion Alex Palou to resist the temptation of Formula 1 and continue his successful streak in the United States. Speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, the four-time world champion reminisced about his long-standing connection with Palou, the 28-year-old Spaniard who many experts believe is well-suited for success in F1. "We were teammates at CRG during our karting days and also in sim racing at Redline," Verstappen mentioned. "We’ve even competed together a few times. He’s a great guy, very amiable, and what he’s accomplished in IndyCar is truly remarkable—as is the manner in which he’s doing it."

      Palou recently reaffirmed his dedication to Chip Ganassi Racing and IndyCar after his legal conflict with McLaren over a canceled IndyCar contract. Verstappen expressed that staying with the US series is a wiser long-term decision. "If I were in his position, I wouldn’t leave IndyCar," Verstappen stated. "Few people have the chance to win—we need to live well, we need to earn a living, and if you’re in a dominant position, you can secure your own future. Why would you jeopardize everything? For a few years in F1 and not starting with a top team?"

      He emphasized that moving to F1 only makes sense under the right conditions, and there’s nothing wrong with excelling in another series. "You can also say, ‘I’m going to do it this way if it works,’ but if not, you lose the momentum you had. I believe he’s making the right decision by staying where he can keep winning."