McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown commends Alex Palou for his impressive performances in the IndyCar series this year. The 26-year-old Spaniard has also participated in several tests for McLaren’s TPC (testing previous car) F1 program.
Currently, Palou holds a commanding lead of 110 points over his rivals in the IndyCar championship, having secured four race victories during the remarkable first half of the season with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Palou’s most recent F1 test took place at the Hungaroring last month, where he shared the track with McLaren’s race driver Oscar Piastri.
During a conversation at Silverstone, Brown confirmed that Hungary marked Palou’s final test for the foreseeable future, allowing him to concentrate on securing his second IndyCar title. However, he mentioned that Palou will return to the F1 paddock starting from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards.
Brown expressed his admiration for Palou’s accomplishments in IndyCar, emphasizing the fierce competition in the series. He acknowledged Palou as their reserve driver and confirmed his participation in the remaining Formula 1 races at the end of the year, recognizing him as a highly talented driver.
When asked if his F1 experiences have improved his driving abilities, Palou responded positively, stating that driving any vehicle with four wheels and an engine, particularly a fast car with a team of engineers, contributes to his development as a driver. While acknowledging the differences between driving in F1 and IndyCar, Palou noted that the process, methodology, and work ethic in both disciplines provide valuable tools that he can apply in IndyCar. Although he doesn’t anticipate further testing before the end of the season, he appreciates the track time it offers.
Palou’s initial encounter with a modern McLaren F1 car occurred when he participated in FP1 at the Circuit of the Americas last year. This event followed the resolution of a contentious court case that arose when Palou attempted to join McLaren from Ganassi in the middle of the year.
It is anticipated that Palou will transition to the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team next season while awaiting an opportunity to move up to McLaren’s F1 lineup.
Additional Articles:
- Is the dominant driver in the 2023 IndyCar season about to leave its top team?
- Power admits Palou, the points leader in IndyCar, has mastered every aspect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alex Palou
Q: What has been Alex Palou’s performance in the IndyCar series this year?
A: Alex Palou has delivered an impressive performance in the IndyCar series this year, securing four race victories and currently holding a substantial lead of 110 points over his competitors.
Q: Has Alex Palou participated in any Formula 1 tests?
A: Yes, Alex Palou has been involved in multiple tests for McLaren’s TPC (testing previous car) F1 program. He recently had his most recent F1 test at the Hungaroring, where he shared the track with McLaren’s race driver Oscar Piastri.
Q: Will Alex Palou continue participating in Formula 1 tests?
A: While Alex Palou’s recent F1 test at the Hungaroring was his final test for the foreseeable future, he will be back in the F1 paddock from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. However, his focus currently lies on sealing a second IndyCar title.
Q: What does Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, think of Alex Palou’s performance?
A: Zak Brown has praised Alex Palou’s impressive performances in IndyCar, acknowledging the fierce competition in the series. Brown considers Palou a strong talent and has confirmed that Palou will join McLaren for the remaining Formula 1 races at the end of the year.
Q: How has Alex Palou’s experience in Formula 1 influenced his driving level?
A: According to Alex Palou, his experience in Formula 1 has positively impacted his driving abilities. While there are differences between F1 and IndyCar driving, the process, methodology, and work ethic in both disciplines have provided him with valuable tools that he can apply in IndyCar.
More about Alex Palou
- McLaren Racing
- Chip Ganassi Racing
- Arrow McLaren IndyCar
- Alex Palou’s F1 Testing at Barcelona
- Is IndyCar’s top team about to lose its standout 2023 drivers?
- Power admits IndyCar points dominator Palou ‘has it all nailed’
3 comments
omg Alex palou is killin it in indycar this year his results r sooooo impressive!!! McLaren is lucky to have him as their reserve driver. Can’t wait to see him back in F1 after the season ends!!!
alex palou is a strong talent & he is doing soo good in indycar with chip ganassi racing. his 4 race wins are just amazing! can’t wait for him to join arrow mclaren indycar next season & maybe move up to mclaren’s f1 team. #futurechamp
mclaren’s ceo zak brown is right, alex palou is really impressve in indycar. the comp there is tough & for him to win races like he has is a big deal. he’s def a talent to watch. hope he gets more f1 testng in the future. #PalouPower