IndyCar driver Agustin Canapino believes two-time IndyCar Champion Alex Palou is the “best driver in the world”, rather than two-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen.
Palou recently claimed his second IndyCar title in three seasons following a dominant display in 2023, similar to how Verstappen has been far superior over the competition in F1.
There is no doubting that both drivers are incredible at what they do, but why does Canapino view Palou as a better driver than Verstappen.
Canapino’s interesting opinion on who the best driver in the world is comes down to the differences between IndyCar and F1 or more specifically, how F1 don’t race on ovals.
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Because IndyCar race on ovals as well as traditional circuits and street tracks, Canapino believes that the reigning IndyCar Champion is “more complete” than Verstappen, who he admits is also an exceptional driver.
In Canapino’s eyes, Palou is “extraterrestrial” because he “sets the standard difference” at any venue, regardless of the style of circuit.
“Palou is outstanding because for me he is the best driver in the world, in my opinion. If he is not the best, he is among the three best,” Canapino told Fox Sports Argentina.
“In my opinion, Palou is more complete than Verstappen. What Palou does in IndyCar for me is really like being an extraterrestrial. But it is a very subjective opinion.
“Verstappen is another alien too. Don’t let Verstappen’s followers criticise me because I have Verstappen in limbo too but, for me, the fact of racing on ovals makes IndyCar drivers different because the oval is the absolute extreme and F1 doesn’t have that.
“That’s why, for me, a driver like Palou, who sets the standard difference in all types of circuits, in all types of disciplines, makes him an extraterrestrial.”
Despite being viewed as the best in the world by Canapino, no F1 team is currently interested in signing Spaniard.
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Palou was supposed to join McLaren Racing across the pond for next season but has since pulled the plug on that deal to remain with Chip Ganassi, resulting in legal action by the Woking-based team.
He has previously tested older F1 cars for McLaren, whilst he’s also been linked in the past to both AlphaTauri and Williams.
Despite all the rumours and reports though, a switch to what is dubbed as the ‘pinnacle of motorsport’ is yet to happen for Palou.