News Summary
- Álex Palou rejected the idea of becoming Chip Ganassi Racing’s leader after Scott Dixon’s departure for McLaren.
- The five-time IndyCar champion said every driver has an equal voice and that Ganassi’s working philosophy should remain unchanged.
- Palou joined Ganassi in 2021 and immediately won the IndyCar title, establishing himself as the team’s leading driver after Dixon’s six championships.
With Scott Dixon set to leave Chip Ganassi Racing for McLaren in 2027, Álex Palou will become the team’s most decorated active driver in terms of championships and wins. The Spaniard, however, has rejected the idea that he should assume a leadership role within Ganassi.
Palou joined Ganassi in 2021, when Dixon was already firmly established as one of the biggest names in IndyCar. The New Zealander had won his sixth championship the previous season and was the clear veteran reference point within the team.
Palou was not intimidated, however, and immediately won the title in his first season with Ganassi. Since then, the #10 driver has established himself as not only the team’s strongest performer but also one of the dominant forces in the series.
With Dixon moving to McLaren for 2027, Palou will have the most championships and victories among Ganassi’s remaining drivers. Despite that status, he does not believe the team needs a designated leader.
Palou does not see a leader at Ganassi
Palou explained that Ganassi has never been built around one driver having more influence than the others. Even when he first joined the team, he did not feel that Dixon was responsible for directing the organization.
“Honestly, I don’t think there has been a leader in the team. Even when I joined the team, it didn’t feel like Scott was running Ganassi or anything like that. He was part of the team. Obviously, Dixon was the fastest,” Palou said.
The Spaniard believes Ganassi’s internal hierarchy is determined more by performance on a given day than by a formal leadership structure.
“That’s how we work: whoever is fastest in that session or on that day is leading the team, you could say,” the five-time champion explained.
Palou also emphasized that every driver at Ganassi has an opportunity to contribute to the team’s development, regardless of their position in the championship or their experience.
“The way everyone works at Ganassi isn’t based on a leader, a driver who has more of a voice than the others or anything like that. I felt that from day one. I think it’s the best way to do it,” he added.
Palou wants Ganassi to keep the same philosophy
For Palou, Dixon’s departure should not lead to a change in the way Ganassi operates. Despite becoming the team’s most decorated driver, he does not want his status to alter the established working environment.
“I wouldn’t like to be the leader. I wouldn’t change that just because he’s leaving. I hope everything stays the same. The way we work pushes each of the drivers to their maximum. That’s what we need,” Palou concluded.
Dixon’s move to McLaren will therefore mark a major change for Ganassi, but Palou does not expect the team’s internal philosophy to change with it.
The Spaniard has already spent five seasons as a central figure within the organization and has won five IndyCar championships during his career. His success means Ganassi will continue to have a championship-caliber reference point even after Dixon’s departure, but Palou is clear that he does not intend to turn that status into formal authority.
The 2026 IndyCar season has now ended, with the next championship round scheduled for March 5-7, 2027, when the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg opens the new season.
Before then, IndyCar will begin testing the IR-28, the car planned for introduction in 2028. The next test is scheduled for Wednesday (9) and Thursday (10) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
GRANDE PRÊMIO will continue to follow the latest developments in IndyCar and the preparations for the 2027 season.
FAQ
Who will be Ganassi’s leading driver after Scott Dixon leaves?
Álex Palou will be Ganassi’s most decorated remaining driver when Scott Dixon leaves for McLaren in 2027. Palou has won five IndyCar championships since joining the team in 2021.
Why is Scott Dixon leaving Ganassi?
Dixon is set to join McLaren for the 2027 IndyCar season, ending his long association with Chip Ganassi Racing.
When does the 2027 IndyCar season start?
The 2027 IndyCar season is scheduled to begin with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg from March 5-7. IndyCar will also continue development work on the IR-28, which is scheduled to debut in 2028.
