Audi F1 is speculated to consider a top IndyCar champion as a surprise addition to its Formula 1 team.
Astonishing Echo from Across the Atlantic: The reigning IndyCar champion, a double title holder, is reportedly being considered by Audi for their new Formula 1 team despite his lack of experience… A risky gamble!
Among the twists of this transfer season, the announcement of Sauber/Audi’s second driver for 2025 and likely 2026 is highly anticipated.
Candidates are eagerly lining up to join Nico Hülkenberg next year after Carlos Sainz opted for Williams over the Swiss team.
Current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou are in contention, alongside young talents such as New Zealander Liam Lawson, seen last year at AlphaTauri, Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, a McLaren protégé, and the reigning F2 champion Théo Pourchaire, a member of the Sauber Academy.
A 100% German Line-up?
However, the final decision rests with Audi’s decision-makers and their new key figure, Mattia Binotto, who might favour a completely German line-up by recruiting Mick Schumacher. Yet, another surprise candidate has recently emerged: double IndyCar champion Alex Palou.
It was thought that the Catalan driver had crossed Formula 1 off his list after terminating his contract with McLaren, largely because it lacked any guarantees of a starting position in the Grands Prix, opting instead to focus on his lucrative career in America.
Unexpected Wild Card!
According to Auto Motor und Sport, Palou could be an unexpected wild card. Aged 27, the Spaniard had a modest stint in the GP3 Series before relocating to Japan, where he excelled in Super Formula to such an extent that he was propelled into IndyCar by his Team Goh. Promising beginnings at Dale Coyne subsequently catapulted him to Chip Ganassi Racing, with well-known results: two titles in 2021 and 2023.
Currently the dominant leader of the American series, Palou has also competed in endurance racing this year with Ganassi’s Cadillac, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans where he proved fast and reliable. His performances and qualities could well persuade Sauber/Audi to recruit this transatlantic gem, who has conducted multiple Formula 1 test sessions for McLaren in recent seasons.
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