Alex Palou is still deciding whether to use the number 1 during his title defence next season or continue utilising the iconic number 10.
The Spaniard took his second Indycar championship for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 and can use the number 1 as reigning champion.
Palou said: “I don’t know actually. I’m going to push for it. I’m going to push for it [the number 1].
“Honestly, I love the No. 10. It was my first number when I started racing. That’s why I wanted to keep it after 2021. But then, during last year, I just kind of thought and was like, ‘Oh, man, we should have raced with the No. 1’.
“I’ll have a lot of discussions with Chip. I’ll come with, like, the Be the One. I think that’s great. You have to push for it, as well, at the same time.”
Despite his magnificent IndyCar career so far, the 26-year-old is yet to win the Indy 500. Palou also hasn’t scored a victory on an oval during his brief career.
Palou has shown blistering speed on ovals, taking pole position for the 107th Running of the Indy 500 and a second-place finish at the same event two years earlier in 2021. He recovered to P4 in this year’s edition after getting taken out on pit road by Rinus VeeKay.
The two-time IndyCar champion is focused on capturing his first Indy 500 win in 2024 and is confident that his team can deliver a good result at IMS.
“Well, that would be a big, big goal. If we could get the Indy 500 next year, that would be already a really good year obviously.
“We just need to continue working like we’ve been doing. I think we have chances if we put ourselves again during the Indy 500 to be up there in the top four, top five for the last restarts, we’re going to be in a good place.
“Also, I can feel my hand a little bit more, like we spoke after the podium. I love winning, the feeling that you get with the fans, with the sponsors, with the family, with the team. It’s just amazing.
“So, hopefully we can win a little more next year.”
Palou will have four teammates to contend with next year as Chip Ganassi expands to five cars. Marcus Armstrong will run a full season, including the ovals, and Kyffin Simpson steps up from Indy NXT.
