Why IndyCar title glory is just the start for Ganassi's new star
Newly-crowned IndyCar champion Alex Palou has been lauded as a complete driver and veteran-like in only his second season. The 24-year-old is still in the early days of his career, but the parallels are there for all to see with his six-time champion Chip Ganassi Racing team-mate who has been CGR's team leader since 2014
Even when driving for a team as strong as Chip Ganassi Racing, being able to finish in the top three in half the season’s races is a stellar achievement in a championship as wickedly tight as the IndyCar Series right now. And when three of those eight podium visits see you standing on the centre step, that’s a championship right there.
And that’s exactly what 2021 IndyCar champion Alex Palou delivered. But how did a veteran of just 14 series starts coming into this season achieve such astounding consistency? Well, there seems little doubt that part of his (open) secret to success is his astonishing ability to stay out of trouble, to make great judgment calls on what is and isn’t feasible in the heat of battle, and to remember that Chip Ganassi – like most team owners – prefers you to bring home a certain second place rather than stick it in the wall going for a possible win.
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
How to be an ace engineer: Leading IndyCar race engineer Michael Cannon
How to be an ace engineer: Leading IndyCar race engineer Michael Cannon How to be an ace engineer: Leading IndyCar race engineer Michael Cannon
IMSA Laguna Seca: Ganassi Cadillac holds off Tandy Porsche for victory
IMSA Laguna Seca: Ganassi Cadillac holds off Tandy Porsche for victory IMSA Laguna Seca: Ganassi Cadillac holds off Tandy Porsche for victory
Palou surprised IndyCar rivals didn’t use his winning tyre strategy in Indy GP
Palou surprised IndyCar rivals didn’t use his winning tyre strategy in Indy GP Palou surprised IndyCar rivals didn’t use his winning tyre strategy in Indy GP
IndyCar Indy GP: Palou beats McLaren drivers to claim points lead
IndyCar Indy GP: Palou beats McLaren drivers to claim points lead IndyCar Indy GP: Palou beats McLaren drivers to claim points lead
Lundgaard: I can call Indy GP track "home” after maiden IndyCar pole
Lundgaard: I can call Indy GP track "home” after maiden IndyCar pole Lundgaard: I can call Indy GP track "home” after maiden IndyCar pole
IndyCar Indy GP: Lundgaard beats Rosenqvist, Palou for first pole
IndyCar Indy GP: Lundgaard beats Rosenqvist, Palou for first pole IndyCar Indy GP: Lundgaard beats Rosenqvist, Palou for first pole
IndyCar Indy GP: Palou tops second practice, Rahal Letterman Lanigan shines again
IndyCar Indy GP: Palou tops second practice, Rahal Letterman Lanigan shines again IndyCar Indy GP: Palou tops second practice, Rahal Letterman Lanigan shines again
The future questions that GB3 must get right to continue its rise
The future questions that GB3 must get right to continue its rise The future questions that GB3 must get right to continue its rise
Why Palou’s latest IndyCar contract flip infuriated McLaren
Why Palou’s latest IndyCar contract flip infuriated McLaren Why Palou’s latest IndyCar contract flip infuriated McLaren
Alfa Romeo focused on WEC switch after ruling out staying in F1
Alfa Romeo focused on WEC switch after ruling out staying in F1 Alfa Romeo focused on WEC switch after ruling out staying in F1
The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency
The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021 Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.