Red Bull is eyeing a move for IndyCar champion Alex Palou to join Max Verstappen in the team’s Formula 1 ranks, according to a report in America.
The Milton Keynes-based squad has returned to struggling with its second seat alongside Verstappen, after firing Sergio Perez at the end of last year.
Liam Lawson lasted just two races at the start of this year and was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who has also struggled to score points in the tricky RB21.
Meanwhile, Palou’s stock has continued to rise Stateside, as he took his third straight IndyCar title just two weeks ago, his fourth overall.
It would not be the first time that Palou has been linked to F1, after an initial and contentious connection via McLaren.
The Woking-based outfit filed a lawsuit in 2023, which is ongoing, regarding an alleged breach of contract, after having tested its F1 challengers in a reserve driver role.
And earlier this summer, Williams Team Principal James Vowles revealed that the Spaniard was on its shortlist of candidates for a drive alongside Alex Albon this year.
Immediately after his first Indy 500 win this year, Palou revealed to the Indianapolis Star newspaper that F1 was not “calling him” anymore.
He added that his focus was now away from F1 after his long and successful stint across the pond, and that he “[liked] winning races”, seeking glory rather than fame.
But now the same publication is reporting that Red Bull’s hierarchy may now be able to tempt his attention back to F1.
However, the supposed terms of Palou’s current contract with Chip Ganassi Racing could see Red Bull required to pay a hefty release clause to spring the 28-year-old from it.
Unlike other IndyCar drivers rumoured to be seeking the challenge of F1, Palou has the required Super Licence points in order to race.
And his glowing profile as one of the world’s best drivers might also tempt Red Bull into a potential play for his signature, particularly given the sport’s growing popularity in the country.
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