07 August 2023 , 19:10
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Zak Brown is "absolutely convinced" IndyCar champion Alex Palou has what it takes to shine in Formula 1.
The Spaniard hopes to secure a second title in three seasons over in the US. And he already has an interest in the F1 paddock as a reserve driver for McLaren.
The papaya team wants to bring him to their IndyCar outfit for 2024. But he may also have race seat options to consider in F1, with AlphaTauri and Williams said to both hold some interest in Palou.
If either of those teams does want to sign him, though, they will have to come to some sort of arrangement with McLaren. It is believed he did have some form of release clause in his reserve contract, which may now have expired.
McLaren chief executive Brown has not spoken publicly about that. But he has heaped praise upon the Spaniard and believes both he and Mexican Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward would be able to adapt well to F1.
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"I don't see any reason why not. We don't have a race seat available at the moment. I'm absolutely convinced that both have Formula 1 potential," said the American as he gave his verdict on the two IndyCar stars.
"Palou's form this season is by no means surprising, but it is nonetheless very impressive. He's dominating in IndyCar, where normally one can't be dominant. And Pato can still become champion, too."
McLaren's Zak Brown heaped praise on Palou (HOCH ZWEI/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)As Brown said, McLaren do not currently have room in their driver line-up to bring either of them to F1 themselves. The team has, to some extent, build its future around Lando Norris, while he is now paired with another exciting young talent in Oscar Piastri, who is enjoying an excellent debut campaign.
He did let slip, though, that F1 fans will see more of both of them after the IndyCar season concludes in September. "We haven't made a final decision yet," said Brown when asked if an FP1 appearances is on the cards for either O'Ward or Palou.
But then he added: "We have to use rookies in free practice. After the IndyCar finale in Laguna Seca in September, you'll see them in the Formula 1 environment."
Brown's praise comes after Michael Andretti also spoke highly of Palou. The American hopes to launch his own F1 team in the coming years and has plenty to consider before he can begin to pick drivers to represent that project.
Andretti did suggest that Palou and another IndyCar star, Colton Herta, would be in the frame for a drive with his team if he gets approval to join the grid. "I have not the slightest doubt that Alex or Colton are ready for Formula 1 – they have high potential. I'd put both of them in a Formula 1 car in a heartbeat," he said.
"I'm sure they can keep up. Lando was once Colton's team-mate and they were on the same level. If you look at Lando in Formula 1 now, you know what Colton could do as well."