Cadillac in Search of a Top Driver: Why This Racer Isn't an Option?

Alex Palou did it again on Saturday. For the fourth time this season, the Spanish driver won a race in IndyCar (finishing second in the fifth race), thus giving the Spaniard an immense lead in the championship of 97 (!) points over the second placed driver. If the Chip Ganassi Racing title contender remains free from major issues, he is on his way to his fourth title in IndyCar.

Palou has never made it a secret in recent years that he would like to showcase his skills in Formula 1. Perhaps this feeling will intensify if he indeed wins the title again this year in the American series. For Palou, what's left to win? His trophy cabinet is already overflowing. Sure, the money must be good. But as an athlete, you always want to measure yourself against the best, and they are not in IndyCar.

Races in IndyCar are often exciting and full of emotion. However, to be fair, the real top drivers generally do not compete there. The current field, for example, includes drivers who did not make it in Formula 1, as well as men who are already in their mid-forties, a lot of mediocre Europeans, and various pay drivers. It's not strange that the FIA does not rank the IndyCar championship highly in the distribution of Superlicense points, which are needed to qualify for Formula 1.

Despite the mediocre competition, Palou deserves a chance in Formula 1. Anyone who sees him race immediately knows this is a guy who possesses excellent car control, a great mentality, and performs consistently and to the maximum. Moreover, he is European, so he grew up in the European style of racing - extremely useful in Formula 1.

Once, Palou signed a contract with McLaren, for which he would compete in IndyCar and also do some Formula 1 tests. He even once participated in a FP1 session for McLaren in Formula 1. Contract or not, Palou never raced for the British team's IndyCar squad, which led to a significant legal battle for some time. But even without McLaren, a switch to F1 could be possible, now that Cadillac is entering the grid.

The team prides itself on being a true American team, wanting to hire an American driver. Colton Herta has been the candidate for a while, but he is having a difficult season in IndyCar again. With his current results, Herta will never accumulate enough points to obtain a Superlicense. In any case, Cadillac must wonder what it would do with a driver who does not impress in IndyCar.

Palou would be a great alternative to Herta. Although he is not an American, he has, thanks to IndyCar, been able to capture the hearts of Americans. If the Spaniard were to be successful in F1, it would probably feel to the Americans as proof that someone from their championship - a racer among their ranks - can be successful among the big names.

Furthermore, Cadillac would get a motivated driver who wants to prove that he can do more than just win races in IndyCar. American sponsors also know Palou, so he could serve as a great figurehead for them in F1.

In recent weeks, various names have been making the rounds as potential drivers for Cadillac in 2026. Palou's hasn't been mentioned. Perhaps there have been no talks? Or maybe there is interest and negotiations are proceeding in silence. The latter would be a smart move by Cadillac, as Palou certainly deserves that chance.