Alex Palou is a three-time IndyAutomotive Series champion, with the last two having been stunning back-to-back successes. But at the same time as the reigning champion, he feels his resume is unfinished without an Indianapolis 500 victory.
“You certainly can't be an amazing IndyCar driver without winning the Indy 500,” Palou told Motorsport.com. “I would say winning this race multiple times is really hard just because it's not just up to you. But winning against the team I coach at least once is a must. I don't have to do it next year or the year after that; I have many years to do this.”
Although the Spaniard has yet to win a race on the oval, he finished second within the 2021 edition of the Indy 500 after completing the second most laps (35). He also won pole vault for the 2023 event. In his five profession Indy 500 starts, he led 4 of them for a complete of 119 laps.
Despite his strong form in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Palou is taking nothing with no consideration as he witnesses how hard it has been for Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon through the years. A six-time series champion, Dixon's Indy 500 record includes ultimate glory in 2008, but that is his only victory in 22 starts, which also includes three runner-up finishes, five pole positions and 677 laps led (probably the most ever).
Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda crossing the bricks on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May
Photo: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
“Dixon, it's crazy that he only has one, but that's how it is,” Palou said. “And he's the best IndyCar driver we've had, I would say almost ever. Yes, I hope I can win it one day. But yeah, I don't think the job is done until we win the Indy 500, which would mean I won on the oval as well.”
When it involves his own legacy and achievements in only five seasons in the game, the 27-year-old Palou doesn't take into consideration how high the ceiling can rise.
“I think it's really hard to win one championship,” Palou said. “It's harder to win two. And it's getting harder to win three games. I feel it's getting harder each time, though it appears like we're halfway to 6, there's a protracted, long method to go.”
But that's halfway to Dixon.
“Yes, but it's 100% what I did,” Palou said. “It's so much, so I don't know where the limit is. I'm really confident that with this team and with the work they've put in and what I'm willing to place in, we are able to proceed to win and fight for championships. Yes, I would like to win eight, but I'm focused on next 12 months. I'm not attempting to win eight and that's my goal.
Sticking to the current moment, Palou set his sights not only on becoming the primary driver from his country to win the Indy 500, but in addition on winning three championships in a row – which might bring him closer to Dario Franchitti's magical run from 2009-2011.
“I'll try to win the Indy 500 next year, the championship and tie with Dario and say, 'Hey, I did it too,'” Palou said. “So that's the next goal. I can't think of anything else but to be able to make fun of Dario; that is the goal.”
