IndyCar Champion Alex Palou Quashes “Fake” Rumors of Audi F1 Move Amid Contract Speculations

IndyCar sensation dismisses "untrue" speculation about moving to Audi in Formula 1

Alex Palou addresses recent speculation suggesting he's a potential pick for Audi

Alex Palou has refuted claims suggesting he was set to join Formula 1 under the Audi banner.

German publication AMuS suggested that Palou is in the running to make a move from IndyCar to join Audi's lineup in 2025, by which time the team will be operating under Sauber.

"None of it's real. I understand you might not believe me, but I assure you," Palau said to IndyStar.

"Everything is fabricated…"

"I haven't had any interactions with Audi. Not a single one."

Palou also emphasized that his manager has not engaged in any discussions with Audi.

"I swear, it's absolutely true. You might find it hard to believe, but I haven't," he promised.

Palau's connection to Formula 1 became more tangible following his initial IndyCar title victory in 2021, with McLaren emerging as the potential team to bring him on board.

A battle for dominance emerged between Chip Ganassi Racing and McLaren.

In the midst of disagreements over contracts, both parties agreed through mediation that Palou would take on a role as a test and reserve driver for McLaren, while continuing to race for Chip Ganassi until the close of 2023.

Palou has become embroiled in a different legal battle with McLaren, and he has parted ways with his previous management team, whom he claims were responsible for his brief interest in Formula 1.

Palau commented on connections with Audi: “I won’t say a lot, but I’m not attempting to leave.

"I gave it a shot. I experienced it briefly, enjoyed it, and gained some knowledge, but it didn't work out, so I'm okay with it."

"I'm not eagerly checking the news and then shooting off an email saying, 'Hey, even though we haven't been in touch, could we have a chat?' I'm fine, I'm fine."

Nevertheless, IndyStar has disclosed that Palou's existing IndyCar agreement with Chip Ganassi Racing includes an exit provision.

An F1 team would need to shell out $1.5 million to Chip Ganassi Racing to acquire his expertise.

Palou is no longer associated with a previous collaborator from Audi F1. Andreas Seidl, who previously served at McLaren F1, has stepped down as the CEO of Audi.

Thus, while it's theoretically possible for Palou to transition to F1, his desire to make such a move remains in question.

He has won the IndyCar championship twice and is on track to secure his third title this season.

Prior to transforming into Audi in 2026, Sauber has enlisted Nico Hulkenberg from Haas for the upcoming season, yet they still have one vacancy. Both of their present drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, are considered for continuation.

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