Winning comes with a price, and when it becomes as frequent as it does for Alex Palou, some fans can become restless for change.
And the Spaniard can hear it.
Since joining Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) in 2021, Palou has done a lot of winning. A four-time and reigning IndyCar Series champion, he’s stood on the top step of the podium 22 times, including his first oval victory in last year’s Indianapolis 500.
During the parade lap after driver introductions in last weekend’s Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, Palou got his first taste of booing.
“It was the first time that I heard a boos, like, from multiple sections,” said Palou, 29. “And I was like, ‘All right.’ I think until now it's been very friendly, and now it's getting more towards boos.
“But I think it's good, you need to have that. We're getting booed for being successful, then we're doing the right thing.”
Some of the interactions in press conferences suggests there could also be restlessness in the paddock toward Palou, too. Last week, Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood suggested Palou had an “indicator” because most of the CGR - and its technical alliance affiliate Meyer Shank Racing - cars used the push-to-pass in the final restart at Long Beach last month. IndyCar Officiating has since updated a rule to make push-to-pass usage allowed on restarts. The eventful press conference followed another that also drew a playful back and forth with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward.
So, can Palou sense a similar feeling some fans have shown from his rivals as well?
“Probably,” Palou said. “But it's good. I like it, in a way.
“Obviously I would love everybody to cheer for AP and the #10 car, and CGR, but you can't have that. You need to have your favorite drivers and different preferences. So, I love that we're getting some heat. It’s good heat. It’s never been any bad.”
Photos from Indy 500 - Wednesday
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
Indianapolis 500 - Wednesday, in photos
