Reigning IndyCar champion and former McLaren academy driver comments on Audi F1 links

McLaren academy driver Alex Palou has snubbed claims linking him to Audi for the upcoming F1 seasons. The two-time IndyCar champion stated in a recent interview that he has had no such talks with Audi, and that he will not be switching sports to move to Sauber in 2025, which will be fully acquired by Audi by 2026.

Audi is on the hunt to secure its pair of drivers before it enters the sport in 2026. While it already signed Nico Hulkenberg from Haas earlier this year, the second seat is vacant. But the McLaren academy driver Palou has revealed that he is not the one to occupy it.

Palou's name came up after Carlos Sainz chose to go to Williams. The IndyCar driver's stunning performance in the American version of open-wheel racing also brought him ample limelight.

Addressing the rumors, Palou ruled himself out. In a recent interview with IndyStar, he said:

"It’s all fake. I know you cannot take my word, but I promise. It’s all fake. I’ve had no contacts with Audi. Zero."

As per reports, Audi sacked CEO Andreas Seidl and Chairman of the Board of Directors Oliver Hoffmann recently and appointed former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto as the Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber.

Shortly after Binotto's appointment, the German giant confirmed Jonathan Wheatley as Sauber's team principal from 2025. Wheatley is set to leave Red Bull's Sporting Director role at the end of this season.

The German manufacturers are all set to rebrand the current Sauber team at the end of the 2025 season and enter the sport under Audi's name in 2026 when new F1 regulations roll out.

---

Alex Palou opens up on his McLaren F1 ties

Alex Palou (10), in the DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, CA. (Photo by Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In September 2022, McLaren confirmed that they had signed Alex Palou on their MCL35M testing program, along with Pato O'Ward. Soon after this, the Papayas announced him as their reserve driver for the 2023 season.

However, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's long-term deal with McLaren ended Palou's chances of having an F1 break. Despite this, he revealed that he is in a good place.

“I got a small taste, and it was fun, and I learned, but it didn’t happen, so I’m good," Palou said in the aforementioned interview. "I’m not desperately seeing the news there and sending an email [to team officials] like, ‘Hey, I know we’re not in contact, but can we talk?’ I’m good, I’m good.”

The 27-year-old is currently racing in the IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing. He famously won the championship in 2021 and 2023 with them, and coming into 2024, he is running in his fourth season with them.