Why didn't Williams sign Alex Palou for the 2025 season?

Alex Palou and the Formula 1, it's the story of a missed opportunity. The Spaniard has been courted, fueling transfer rumors over the years, without ever having been chosen by a team. However, the tide could have turned last year, when Williams took an interest in the double title holder ofIndyCar, winner of five of the first six races of the 2025 season, including the Indy 500.

After the failure of Logan sargeant, the Grove team promoted Franco Colapinto for the final nine races of the season, but it was already clear that the Argentinian would not be in the car in 2025. The arrival of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari was made official in July, putting an end to a series of rumors about the many contenders for Alex's twin seat Albon.

The Madrilenian was preferred in particular to Valtteri Bottas ou Esteban Ocon, but also to Alex Palou, revealed James Vowles on the sidelines of the Canadian GP. "Palou is super fast. We had him on our list. But there were two problems.", admits the Williams team principal. The main issue was the salary requested by the Spaniard, who, given his successful career across the Atlantic, would have asked for too high a salary for a rookie. "With his track record, he wouldn't be a cheap starter. I think he's in the $5 million-plus price range," reveals Vowles, quoted by PlanetF1.

The other potential problem would have been the lack of experience of Alex Palou, who would have needed a lot of private driving in 2024 to be ready for 2025, which was not compatible with his schedule.

"He wouldn't be helped by a test or a training session on Friday. Palou would have to follow the same program as an Antonelli or a Bearman.", assures James Vowles. They've driven up to 10 kilometers in old Formula 000 cars. That means he'd have to take a year off and focus entirely on his preparation. I find it hard to imagine he'd want to do that, given his status." The Catalan himself assures that Formula 1 no longer attracts him as much as before, his situation in IndyCar being " more fun ».

ALSO READ > Alex Palou much less interested in an F1 that no longer "calls him"

Palou snubs Formula 1 

“F1 doesn’t call me anymore. I still follow it, it’s a huge championship. It’s incredible. I’m a big fan, but I don’t think they’re having as much fun as I am here, smiles Palou. “I don’t see people partying with their wives and kids as much as we do. I don’t see drivers hanging out with each other in the motorhome parking lot we have here or having dinner with their mechanics. I just like driving, having fun and being with my friends, so I think F1 is the complete opposite.”

Yet, Alex Palou is among the candidates being considered for one of the two Cadillac seats. His experience in the United States could be a strong argument for the American manufacturer, which is already very close to reaching an agreement with Sergio Pérez. But, by his own admission, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver doesn't see himself leaving IndyCar after winning the Indy 500 for the first time.

"I don't want to leave now. Even if they say, 'No, don't worry, you can come back in a year or two,' what if all of a sudden everyone is at a better level and I never manage to catch up with them?" asks Palou. "F1 wasn't on my mind last year, and it's not on my mind this year. It's less and less the case every day, and now all I've wanted since Sunday is to win the 500 Miles again."

Alex Palou is not ready to start chasing the Triple Crown (F1 Monaco GP – Indy 500 – 24 Hours of Le Mans), which his illustrious compatriot attempted before him Fernando Alonso, who failed to win at Indianapolis after having enjoyed success in Sarthe and the Principality.

ALSO READ > Alex Palou, the anonymous champion at home in Spain