Alex Palou has etched his name into motorsport history by becoming the first Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500. It’s a legendary victory that has reignited the ongoing debate about his potential move to Formula 1 — a path he himself ruled out just weeks ago, but one that’s once again being talked about across the paddock.

Palou makes history

In more than 100 years of Indy 500 racing, no Spanish driver had ever stood atop the podium — not even Fernando Alonso, who tried multiple times. But on Sunday, Alex Palou did it. In a race full of tension, crashes, and brilliant strategy, the Catalan driver kept his cool and delivered a dominant performance. His name is now forever engraved on the Borg-Warner Trophy, alongside motorsport legends.

It was far from a smooth ride. From the first lap, rain delays, accidents, and yellow flags turned the race into a chaotic survival test. Palou avoided disaster early on during a tense pit stop with Rosenqvist and O’Ward, then found himself trailing Alex Rossi, whose car began leaking fluids before catching fire in the pit lane.

Despite the chaos, Palou kept his composure. Over the final 30 laps, he battled Marcus Ericsson and David Malukas — two drivers with different strategies — before seizing the lead in a perfect finish. A late yellow flag with one lap to go sealed his victory and cemented his legacy in American motorsport.

Is Formula 1 back on the table?

This historic win has reignited speculation about Palou’s long-rumored jump to Formula 1. He’s been linked in recent years to several teams, most notably Cadillac, which plans to enter F1 in 2026. But Palou shut down those rumors as recently as April.

In an interview with SoyMotor, Palou was blunt: “I think the F1 chapter has passed. It’s too late now.” At 28 years old and already a three-time IndyCar champion, he feels the opportunity has passed him by: “Maybe if I had these results at 20, things would’ve been different.” He also made clear that there are no ongoing negotiations: “There’s nothing. No talks, and there haven’t been any.” Palou seems fully content in the United States, both personally and professionally: “I’m very happy in IndyCar. I have everything I need, and now that I’m a father, I get to enjoy time with my family.”

The future of Spain in Formula 1

While a move to Formula 1 looks unlikely for Palou, his impact on global motorsport is undeniable. He’s elevated Spain’s presence in racing — showing that elite-level success exists beyond the F1 grid.

With Fernando Alonso nearing the end of his career and Carlos Sainz also approaching a turning point, Palou had long been seen as a natural successor. But now, the spotlight may turn to younger talents like Pepe Martí, who’s fighting his way up the ladder through Formula 2.

Regardless of what’s next, Alex Palou has already made history. Winning the Indy 500 places him among the greats and makes him a role model for the next generation of Spanish racers. And while Formula 1 may seem like a closed chapter — in motorsport, never say never.