'Content' Palou clarifies the reasons for the end of his F1 aspirations.
"Starting over as a newcomer might be too late."
Alex Palou asserts that he has no regrets about giving up his long-held aspirations in Formula 1, even as he acknowledges that he will be cheering for Max Verstappen in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi title showdown. The four-time IndyCar champion has rehabilitated his image following a contentious contract dispute with McLaren, and Verstappen recently remarked that Palou should appreciate his current situation instead of pursuing an uncertain future in F1. When asked by Sport about this statement, Palou concurred.
"You never know what the future holds, but I’m in a fantastic position. I have an opportunity that is rare," said the 28-year-old Spaniard. "The most crucial aspect for any athlete is to enjoy the experience, which only comes with winning. Just because Formula 1 is the larger series globally doesn’t mean I’ll enjoy it more if I can't win.
"Moreover, I've already attempted to enter Formula 1, and now that I'm almost 29, starting over as a rookie might be too late. I’m very content with where I am." Nonetheless, he admitted that the door isn't fully closed.
"What could change my mind? Primarily, an offer from a team with a competitive car," Palou stated. "I only feel fulfilled on the track when I can win or compete for victories. We see this with Fernando Alonso - if a driver doesn’t have a speedy car, every weekend becomes a challenge.
"I’m a fan of Formula 1 and keep up with the series, but I believe my place is currently in the United States," he shared with Diario Sport. Palou will be tuning in to watch the championship clash on Sunday.
"Absolutely, it’s all very thrilling there," he noted. "What Max is achieving is astonishing. In recent years, he’s been victorious in one of the best cars; however, now he lacks that advantage and is facing a tough battle against McLaren, which is notably stronger than the rest.
"He has closed an enormous gap of 92 points and is heading into the final race with a shot at the title. So, naturally, I’m supporting Max. It will be challenging, but there’s a possibility. He needs to win and hope for other cars to come between him and Lando. I’ll be rooting for him until the end."
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