Alex Palou: The Spanish Racing Legend Dominating IndyCar

In motorsport, few achievements are as legendary as the Triple Crown. Only Graham Hill has managed it. Fernando Alonso, a legend in his own right, has come close by winning two of the three prestigious events. Now, the spotlight shifts to another Spanish driver, Alex Palou, who’s making serious waves in North American single-seater racing.

Palou’s rise in IndyCar is hard to ignore. Some already call him a potential all-time great. Let’s take a closer look at the journeys of these two Spanish superstars and whether Palou might join the ranks of motorsport legends.

Fernando Alonso: The Veteran Chasing the Triple Crown

Fernando Alonso’s passion for racing shows in his diverse career. He’s competed in multiple categories, including North America’s top open-cockpit series, IndyCar, and the iconic Indy500.

Alonso is one of the few drivers who has come close to the Triple Crown. He’s won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix. But the Indy500 has been a tougher nut to crack, with his best finish a frustrating P21 in his third attempt.

Alonso’s Achievements and Challenges

Alonso’s career is full of accolades. He grabbed back-to-back F1 driver championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006. Later, he took the top prize at Le Mans in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota.

Yet, the Indy500 remains a stubborn hurdle. Oval racing brings its own demands, and the element of luck—like unexpected race interruptions—makes it one of the toughest races anywhere.

Of the nineteen drivers who’ve competed in all three Triple Crown events, only seven have won two of them. This exclusive group includes AJ Foyt, Bruce McLaren, and Juan Pablo Montoya. Alonso’s name on this list really says something about his relentless talent and drive.

Alex Palou: The Rising Star of IndyCar

While Alonso’s legacy is already secure, people are now watching Alex Palou, a young Spanish driver making a big name for himself in IndyCar. Palou started out in FIA-accredited European categories but found his groove in the USA.

After a rookie season with Dale Coyne Racing in 2020, he joined Chip Ganassi and, incredibly, won his first IndyCar series in just his second season.

Palou’s Rapid Rise

Palou’s climb in IndyCar has been nothing short of meteoric. He won the championship in his sophomore season and kept dominating the series.

In 2025, Palou made history as the first Spaniard to win the Indy500. That win, plus his consistent performance, has put him among the greats in North American single-seater racing.

His achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. Fernando Alonso has praised Palou, calling him a legend in IndyCar. Carlos Sainz has also expressed admiration, pointing out Palou’s exceptional talent and dominance.

The Path Forward: IndyCar vs. Formula 1

Despite all his success in IndyCar, there’s still the question of whether Palou will switch to Formula 1. Many drivers dream of F1, but Palou’s focus on IndyCar has clearly paid off.

His achievements already put him among the series’ greats, and you get the feeling he could break more records if he keeps going.

Challenges and Opportunities

If Palou wants to move to F1, he’d have to do it soon, considering his age and how tough the sport is. But making that move could clash with his pursuit of IndyCar records.

Winning more Indy500s would really cement his legacy in North American racing. Palou has already shown he’s got what it takes to pull that off.

The Triple Crown is still out there, tempting as ever. With the hardest part—the Indy500—already checked off, maybe Palou will set his sights on the other two. Still, the modern competitive landscape makes that feat trickier than ever, doesn’t it?

Conclusion: The Future of Spanish Motorsport

Fernando Alonso and Alex Palou stand out as two generations of Spanish motorsport greatness. Alonso’s career, packed with achievements and that close call with the Triple Crown, really cements his legacy.

Meanwhile, Palou’s shot to the top in IndyCar is wild to watch. Will he jump to Formula 1, or just keep smashing it in IndyCar? Hard to say.

Honestly, with these two, Spanish motorsport feels pretty exciting right now. If you want more details on their journeys, check out the full article on The Judge 13.

We’ll keep an eye on both of them and share any new updates from the motorsport world as they come. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next.