Former McLaren driver receives major F1 boost after clinching fourth title

08:59, 11 Aug

byTobia Elia

Alex Palou secured his fourth IndyCar title, and second in a row, with two races to spare. He also received a major boost from Will Buxton, who believes the Spanish driver is ready to make the jump to Formula 1.

At the Portland Grand Prix, held at the city’s International Raceway, a third-place finish was enough for Alex Palou to clinch the IndyCar title—his fourth career championship overseas and his third consecutive crown since first winning in 2021.

The Spanish driver for Chip Ganassi Racing secured the title with two races to spare, mathematically ruling out Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward—who, like Palou, has also been linked to Formula 1 in recent years.

A remarkable display of dominance from the Spaniard, who this season claimed eight victories and five pole positions, ultimately pulling away from his closest championship rival by a staggering 151 points.

Alex Palou

Buxton believes Palou would be competitive in F1

Will Buxton, commenting on Palou’s title win via his X profile, believes that Palou could be competitive in Formula 1 if given a good car: ''Palou is, hands down, one of the best open wheel drivers in the world right now. Could he win in F1? Absolutely. With the right car.''

''Would he get the right car though? Unless it’s a top 4 team in F1, why walk away from making history in a championship he loves?''

In September 2022, McLaren revealed that they had brought Palou on board for their Testing of Previous Cars program, which included sessions driving the MCL35M.

His initial tests took place at the Montmelò circuit, followed by further runs in October at the Red Bull Ring, both alongside O'Ward. the Spaniard made his first appearance in a Formula 1 free practice session with McLaren during the 2022 United States GP in Austin.

Later, on December 1, 2022, the papaya team named Palou as a reserve driver for the 2023 F1 season. He also participated in testing the MCL35M at the Hungaroring, sharing the track with Oscar Piastri.