Mario Andretti tells Alex Palou what he ‘has to do’ if he decides to make Formula 1 switch

Follow us on Google Discover

Alex Palou has been a name that has come up time and time again on the Formula 1 driver market over the years.

The immensely talented Spaniard is making a name for himself in North America, winning his fourth IndyCar title in the last five years in 2025. Many have wondered how Palou would fare in F1, and he has been linked with a move for some time.

Will Buxton says Palou is as talented as Oscar Piastri, and he could maybe have been in the McLaren F1 car instead of the Aussie when he was signed with their IndyCar team back in 2023. However, the 28-year-old broke the contract to stay at Chip Ganassi Racing.

Who is the best active driver NOT on the 2026 grid? 🤔

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Since that controversy, which is still ongoing, opportunities have come and gone for Palou in F1. He was linked with the Audi project in 2026, but nothing came of it.

In 2025, Palou was linked with Red Bull as the team weighed up their options for Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2026. However, they shut down the rumours, promoting Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls instead.

Mario Andretti says Alex Palou ‘has to’ join a top team like he did if he goes to Formula 1

Speaking to Marca, Mario Andretti was asked if he had considered signing Palou to Cadillac. The 1979 F1 champion is acting as a non-executive director for F1’s 11th team.

Cadillac signed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for the 2026 season, with Palou staying in IndyCar. Andretti knows what talent the Spaniard has, and he insists that he must join a top team if he does decide to come to F1.

“We’re very happy to have Checo and Valtteri because they have experience,” he said. “Experience, especially for a young team, is very important. So we’re lucky.

“I know he’s talented, but he’s fresh, and the best opportunity for him is to go to a top team that allows him to achieve results. His talent will surely give him that opportunity.

“I was lucky enough to win my first race with Ferrari and the championship with Lotus, teams that allowed you to achieve victories. He has to do the same. If he decides to go to F1, it will surely be with a top team.”

READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers

Will Fernando Alonso return to the Indy 500? Mario Andretti answers

Andretti was then asked if he could potentially bring Fernando Alonso back to North America for another go at the Indianapolis 500.

“Anything can happen,” he replied. “It’s a matter of seeing if everything falls into place. We can’t promise anything, but as a team, you always look for the best opportunities, just like drivers look for the best teams.

“If you’re someone who’s consistently among the best, teams will always want you. Everyone looks for talent because it’s scarce.

“But exceptional talent is much rarer, and everyone wants it. As a team principal, that’s what you have to look for. The goal is to have something your rivals don’t; that’s the game.”

Alonso made his Indy 500 debut in 2017 and was leading the race at one point until a mechanical failure forced him to retire. He did not qualify for the 2019 race and finished in 21st in 2020.