Palou dominated the 2023 IndyCar season, scoring 5 wins, 10 podiums and two poles en path to his second title, which he secured with a spherical to spare.
Regardless of this, Palou stays important of his personal performances and dismissed the notion that he’s an entire driver.
“It is not tremendous far, nevertheless it’s far sufficient that it is painful,” Palou stated.
“As soon as I completed my Gateway race [in seventh], I used to be like, ‘Man, I want I might simply go once more and do it once more.’
“I discovered a lot. Each race I end, I study so much. However I am not that shut. I am not as shut as I want to be.”
Palou took pole for the 107th working of the Indianapolis 500 this time period however his hopes of victory disappeared when he was caught up in a mid-race incident involving Rinus Veekay.
Figuring out ovals as an space for enchancment, the Spaniard added: “I have to win an oval race.
“It is easy, man. It is easy to know what we will enhance.
Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Picture by: Jake Galstad / Motorsport Images
“My oval expertise, I’d say they improved so much. I obtained two podiums this 12 months. P4 right here at IMS [Indianapolis Motor Speedway]. We obtained to pole right here. However nonetheless, we have not gained. After we are on the race, we aren’t combating for the win.
“We get to the rostrum and it is like a win for us. So, I have to get there.”
Though Palou yearns for an oval victory, it isn’t such a desperation he would commerce both of his championships for glory within the Indianapolis 500.
“No, completely not,” he clarified. “Sure, that is what I’ll put most of my effort to get, however I’d by no means commerce a championship for the Indy 500.
“I like the Indy 500. I understand how particular it’s for everyone. It is tremendous particular for me as effectively, however I believe it is solely a one-off race.
“I have been round like the highest three or 4 automobiles or drivers or groups, usually, to win the race and we did not due to this or that. Some others have simply been fortunate on the final stint of the race.
“I do know the significance of it. I need to win it, however I’d not commerce a full 12 months of being one of the best for simply the in the future of being one of the best.”