Audi are exploring their options to find their second driver to complete their line-up in Formula 1.
The German manufacturer does not enter the sport until 2026 when they take over from established team Sauber, but any drivers they do sign could in effect be their first driver pairing.
So far, they have confirmed the signing of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, but are yet to decide on their second driver. Several drivers have been linked with the vacant seat, including current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, who have yet to score points this season.
Liam Lawson has also been linked with his Red Bull future being uncertain, as well as McLaren junior driver and F2 title contender Gabriel Bortoleto.
It had been previously reported (by Auto Motor und Sport) that defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou has emerged as a potential target, and speaking with IndyStar, the Spaniard gave his reaction to the rumours.
Alex Palou has said that he has had ‘zero’ talks with Sauber over a move to Formula 1
Palou has been linked with Formula 1 for some time, having been a part of McLaren’s Testing of Previous Cars program.
The 27-year-old made his first appearance in an FP1 session at the 2022 United States Grand Prix and he was announced as the team’s reserve driver for the 2023 season.
However, Palou left the team after he found himself in a messy contract situation. The Spaniard had been set to race for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar for 2024, but he stated that he had no intention of honouring his contract with the organisation and that he would stay at Chip Ganassi Racing, resulting in a lawsuit from McLaren.
A move to Audi/Sauber would certainly cause a stir, and perhaps a much-needed one, for the team with their current form, but Palou has since come out and denied the rumours that he has had discussions with the team.
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“It’s all fake,” he said.
“I know you cannot take my word, but I promise. It’s all fake. I’ve had no contacts with Audi. Zero.”
Palou also made it clear that his manager Roger Yasukawa has also not held any talks with the team either.
“Zero, zero. I know you cannot take it (as truth), but I have not,” he added.
“I’m not going to say much, but I’m not trying to go. I tried. I got a small taste, and it was fun, and I learned, but it didn’t happen, so I’m good.
“I’m not desperately seeing the news there and sending an email (to team officials) like, ‘Hey, I know we’re not in contact, but can we talk?’ I’m good, I’m good.”
Alex Palou is on course for his third IndyCar title
Amid all the conversation surrounding the Chip Ganassi driver, Palou is on track to grab his third IndyCar championship.
The 27-year-old leads the drivers’ standings over Will Power by 49 points, having won two races and claimed five podiums overall.
With five races of the 2024 season to go, four are on ovals; a type of course that Palou has never claimed victory on.
Despite it not looking in his favour with his record on ovals, Palou has shown great consistency across the season, only finishing outside the top five twice all year.