Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi dismiss Red Bull speculation as 'clickbait'

Alex Palou and his IndyCar boss Chip Ganassi have both rejected reports that the multiple series champion is being lined up by Red Bull for Formula 1.

The 28-year-old Spaniard has dominated the American series in recent seasons, winning titles in 2021, 2023, 2024 and again this year with Chip Ganassi Racing.

That success prompted Indy Star to claim “sources with direct knowledge” suggested Red Bull interest for 2026.

Ganassi, however, told reporters the talk is unfounded. “I read it, of course, ut no one has called us. I called Alex and he hasn’t spoken to anyone either, not even his manager,” he said.

“None of us know anything, so I think it’s a clickbait story. Of course I don’t want to lose him, who would? He already had the opportunity to leave, but he stayed.” Ganassi admitted it is obvious why other teams would be interested.

“I’ll put it this way - if you have the driver everyone wants, you have something very valuable. Is Formula 1 a threat? I think we are the threat. We work to give our drivers the best for them, and I think it’s working with Alex.”

Pressed on whether Palou might be tempted by F1’s glamour, Ganassi replied: “I don’t know, but I wish it were that way. Alex is more like a brother to me than anything else. There are two or three coveted seats, but other than that… I wouldn’t like to see him leave to be a second driver somewhere else.

“I wouldn’t stop him, and he may feel the attraction, but I don’t see him exchanging the possibility of winning the greatest race in the world (the Indy 500) for others that aren’t.”

Even so, he conceded nothing can be guaranteed: “There are no other expectations other than Alex being here.” German site f1-insider.com – often linked closely to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko – also dismissed the speculation, claiming: “Red Bull has no interest in the Spaniard, and the rumours are said to be coming from Daniele Audetto.” Audetto, a former Ferrari manager, now serves as a senior advisor to Palou. For his part, Palou echoed the denials.

“There was nothing, nothing at all,” he told the Associated Press. “We didn’t hear anything from anyone. The only thing I heard was that it was the manager of another IndyCar driver who wanted my wheel who started this.”