No one seems to have an answer for Alex Palou in IndyCar at the moment as the Spaniard grabbed his third title in four years in 2024.
Palou only made his debut in IndyCar back in 2020 with Dale Coyne Racing and has since gone on to put his name among the greats in the sport.
Joining Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021, the 27-year-old has won 12 races and secured 32 podiums in his career so far and joins the likes of Rick Mears, Al Unser, Mario Andretti and Scott Dixon who have won at least three titles.
Palou beat Josef Newgarden to the title in his first year with CGR in 2021 by 38 points, but he was unable to defend his crown as he finished fifth the following year.
The 27-year-old completely dominated the 2023 season, finishing in the top 10 in every race, winning five of them and grabbing 10 podiums to win his second championship by 78 points over Dixon.
Alex Palou ‘didn’t like’ the 2024 IndyCar season as it was ‘too interesting’
Palou’s consistency was on another level, and that is what helped the Spaniard came his third title as he became the first driver to win back-to-back championships since Dario Franchitti in 2009-2011.
Palou finished in the top 10 in all but four races and grabbed six podiums and two wins – not including his victory in the $1 Million Challenge at Thermal – to beat Colton Herta by 31 points.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Alex Palou from net worth to IndyCar stats
But it was not as dominant of a victory as the year prior, as Will Power had the chance of beating Palou at the final race at Nashville, and he was handed a great advantage after the CGR driver was hit with a penalty after qualifying. However, Power suffered a miserable race and was thrown out of contention in the early stages.
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Palou basked over what an ‘amazing’ year it has been, but also stressed that he ‘didn’t like’ the fact that the championship was ‘interesting’ and that his rivals pushed him to the final race.
“Yeah this year, [it was[ too interesting. I didn’t like it!” he said.
“It was too interesting for me. Especially getting to the last race, like the points were very tight, I started 24th so it was too interesting.
“I don’t know, it’s been a tough year. Obviously, we were amazing, but it’s been tough. We didn’t really have as many wins as last year for example, or as many podiums.
“The good thing, I had my daughter with me, so I became a Dad last December. So, that made it extra special, but yeah, on track it was tough.”
Can anyone stop Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing in 2025?
Heading into 2025, many will be hoping to take the fight to Palou as the Spaniard will remain with CGR for next season.
Six-time IndyCar champion Dixon will also stay with the team for 2025. The Kiwi driver claimed two wins at Long Beach and Detroit as he finished sixth in the standings.
READ MORE: Every IndyCar Series team’s confirmed driver line-up for the 2025 season
The third CGR driver has yet to be confirmed, although it is anticipated that Kyffin Simpson will get the nod and will keep his seat for next year.
CGR recently handed a test to Felipe Drugovich as the Brazilian searches for a full-time seat next year. While a spot with the team is unlikely for 2025, Drugovich will be a good option to keep tabs on in the future.