P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes has backed reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou to be “very quick” in Formula 1.
Alex Palou has established himself as a top driver in IndyCar, claiming his third Drivers’ title last year. Despite his success, he has yet to achieve victory at the prestigious Indianapolis 500 or secure a drive in Formula 1. Palou came close to an F1 opportunity with McLaren but remained with Chip Ganassi Racing after a legal battle. His former team boss, Oakes, believes Palou could excel in F1 and regrets not exploring Indy Lights further. While Palou’s F1 prospects may be slim, Alpine has a roster of talented drivers, including Pierre Gasly and reserve Franco Colapinto, who could challenge for a full-time Grand Prix seat. Oakes faces tough decisions with multiple drivers vying for positions in his team.
