Alonso and Sainz lavish praise on Palou in Spain
Alex Palou’s victory at the Indianapolis 500 and performances in IndyCar have been drawing the “respect and admiration” of his countrymen in Formula 1 ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso are both gearing up for their home race in Barcelona, but arrive four days after Palou secured his first Indy 500 triumph. As the first Spaniard to win the iconic race, it has been big news in Spain and Sainz says it makes him interested to know what Palou could achieve in F1 machinery.
“I think someone that is capable of winning in Indy, winning the Indy 500, at least he should be given the chance to show what he can do in Formula 1 at some point,” Sainz said. "And if he's quick enough in Formula 1, then he should be welcome in Formula 1.
“I think he got to test the McLaren car a few times. I always rated Alex very highly because I was his teammate in cadet karting and he was very quick! But honestly speaking, what he's doing in America is something really admirable.
“I think to dominate [IndyCar] the way he's dominating, you have to be very good. Formula 1 is a completely different discipline, different world, but I don't have anything else than respect and admiration for what Alex is doing in Indy.”
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While Sainz has yet to compete in the United States, Alonso (pictured above) has entered the Indy 500 on three occasions – qualifying twice – and says Palou’s success in IndyCar is elevating him higher than perhaps F1 could.
“Great for Spain first of all, great for him,” Alonso said. “To have the Indy 500 now after winning the series in IndyCar for a few consecutive seasons, and now leading the championship as well. So he’s doing great there.
“I know most of the drivers would dream about a Formula 1 seat and having a career here, but he had the opportunity in IndyCar and he maximized every single day there.
“He’s a legend in IndyCar and he will always be a legend in IndyCar, so I think he’s not missing Formula 1 and I’m very happy for him because he’s a very, very talented driver. We are just following here with a lot of respect – and as a fan, because I was watching the race on Sunday and hoping he would finally make it, and he did it, so happy for him.”
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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