Red Bull Racing reportedly expressed interest in signing four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou for an F1 seat alongside Max Verstappen for 2026.
Palou and manager deny talks with Red Bull Racing
According to IndyStar, sources with direct knowledge confirmed talks between Palou and Red Bull Racing. It’s unclear, how engaging the talks may be. The timing is interesting, the portal continues to report. The season finale at Nashville is upcoming, as well as a media tour, celebration and court dates.
However, when approached on Sunday after the race at Milwaukee, Palou denied having been involved in discussions with the F1 team. His manager Roger Yasukawa and a Chip Ganassi Racing team representative also stated they had held no talks with Red Bull.
The Spaniard’s contract with Ganassi runs through 2026. But it reportedly includes a clause that would allow an exit for Formula 1 in exchange for a buyout.
Could Red Bull support during ongoing McLaren legal case?
A move would mark Palou’s third attempt to leave Ganassi, after failed transfers to McLaren in 2022 and 2023. That led to legal disputes, which are still ongoing in U.K. Commercial Court.
If Palou were to leave Ganassi with a year remaining on his contract via a buyout, Red Bull could likely be expected to support the driver. The company can not only cover the release fee but also support him in the ongoing legal battle. It is scheduled to go to trial in October.
The 28-year-old had previously tested with McLaren’s Formula 1 squad and made his rookie appearance in practice at the 2022 U.S. Grand Prix.
Palou won this year’s Indianapolis 500 and has taken eight victories during the 2025 IndyCar season. His fourth title this year is also his third in a row. He has won four of the last five IndyCar championships.
