Alex Palou is the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series Champion and is currently leading the points for the 2023 season based on three victories so far (as of June 18th). We had a chance to chat with him during the press day ahead of the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and in this wide-ranging interview he talks about his season so far, his adaptation from a road racing background to getting comfortable on the ovals, and his recent McLaren Formula One test. Additionally, he reflects on his calm demeanor despite all of the distractions outside the race car (especially last year with a very public and heated contract negotiation. You’ll almost always find him with a smile on his face and a very warm and personable manner, but when he gets behind the wheel, watch out. This guy can destroy the morale of an entire field of champions with his speed and skill. He put that on full display at last year’s season finale where he dominated with a 30 second margin of victory! Enjoy!

NOTE: Alex Palou would go on to finish fifth at Long Beach after starting fourth. So far this year his worst finish is eighth. His recovery drive after getting hit in pit lane at the Indianapolis 500 leaving his pit area to finish fourth was an incredible testament to his talent (as well as the strength of the Ganassi team he’s driving for).

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason

Alex Palou waves to the fans just prior to the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Alex Palou enjoys coming to Long Beach. It’s not just the beautiful scenery of this iconic track, it’s where he clinched his 2021 championship. 

Palou is inch-perfect ‘rounding the famous fountain of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Palou’s green car drives by the green plants surrounding the fountain on green Firestone guayule tires. If Palou continues on his current championship trajectory, there should be some extra green in his pocket when his next contract appears!

Whatever it takes to go fast; here Palou is getting some serious “air time” after using the curbs hard in Turn 5.

Alex Palou is smooth on the wheel here in the hard-to-balance Turn 10 at Long Beach. His smart and measured drives have given him the points lead as of this posting.

Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)