Álex Palou is a Spanish racing driver who currently competes for Chip Ganassi Racing in the IndyCar Series—a role that brought him to the pinnacle of success when he claimed the 2021 series championship. As Álex Palou, he made history by becoming the first Spanish driver ever to win a national title in American open-wheel racing. Not only that, but Álex Palou also stands out as the first Spaniard to secure a victory in the GP3 Series, further solidifying his legacy in motorsport.
Outside the track, Álex Palou has built a strong social media presence, amassing over 40,000 followers on Twitter and more than 100,000 on Instagram—showcasing just how popular Álex Palou has become among fans around the world.
Before rising to fame, Álex Palou began his journey at a young age, starting kart racing in 2003 when he was just six years old. His talent quickly became evident, leading to his open-wheel debut in 2014 with Campos Racing at the Euroformula Open Championship. From there, Álex Palou took his skills overseas, spending two years competing in Japan’s Formula 3 and later advancing to the prestigious Super Formula series.
Born Álex Palou Montalbo in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, Catalonia, Spain, he was raised by teenage parents, with his father named Ramon. Interestingly, even as his racing career gained momentum, Álex Palou stayed grounded—up until his IndyCar triumph, he ran a small business with his girlfriend, Esther Valle. Together, they owned and operated Coffee & Greens, a café in Girona, Spain, reflecting their shared passion for coffee. The couple, who are both proud parents, continue to support each other through life’s many turns—both on and off the racetrack.
He really knows how to celebrate in style—whenever he wins, you can bet fried chicken is part of the ritual. After taking the checkered flag at Indy, he pulled out all the stops for his victory ride, hopping into a flashy bright yellow “Chicken Limo” that turned heads everywhere. The vehicle was decked out with an oversized fake chicken head and tail, making it impossible to miss. It’s just another way he adds his unique flair to every triumph, turning each win into a full-on celebration. And honestly, when you see him cruising around in that thing, it’s clear he doesn’t just win races—he owns the moment, one piece of fried chicken at a time.