IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou has found himself embroiled in an incredibly messy contract dispute between Chip Ganassi Racing and McLaren.
Palou, who won last year’s title in only his second season with Chip Ganassi, has been long rumoured to make a move to McLaren.
In recent weeks, the eponymous team owner foreshadowed a stable line-up heading into the new year alongside Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson and Jimmie Johnson.
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And on Wednesday (AEST), Chip Ganassi announced it had exercised its option to keep the Spaniard contracted with the team through to 2023.
“Alex’s track record speaks for itself,” Ganassi said.
“He’s a proven champion and one of the most formidable drivers in the world. We are very excited to continue working together.”
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In an extraordinary twist, Palou denounced the team’s statement, taking to Twitter to reveal quotes attributed to him had been forged.
“I have recently learned from the media that this afternoon, without my approval, Chip Ganassi Racing issued a press release announcing that I would be driving with CGR in 2023,” Palou wrote.
“Even more surprising was that CGR’s release included a “quote” which did not come from me. I did not approve that press release, and I did not author or approve that quote.
“As I have recently informed CGR, for personal reasons, I do not intend to continue with the team after 2022.
“This evening’s unfortunate events aside, I have great respect for the CGR team, and look forward to finishing this season strongly together.”
Shortly thereafter, McLaren announced it had signed Palou to its racing programme for 2023.
Although specifics relating to his racing programme were omitted in the press release, Palou looks likely to stick around the IndyCar Series.
What is known is that the 25-year-old will test a Formula 1 car with the team alongside Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta, the latter who tested this week in Portugal.
“I’m extremely excited to join the driver roster for such an iconic team as McLaren,” said Palou.
“I’m excited to be able to show what I can do behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car and looking at what doors that may open. I want to thank everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing for everything they have done for me.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown added, “We have always said that we want the best talent at McLaren, and it’s exciting to be able to include Alex on that list.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing him get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of our Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme alongside Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta as we continue to build our driver talent.
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“Alex is an incredibly talented driver who has won in every series he has raced in, and I’m happy to welcome him to the McLaren family.”
Assuming Palou does indeed race for McLaren, there is still some shuffling to play out in the team’s driver roster.
As it stands, McLaren has Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi confirmed to compete in the IndyCar Series.
The recently re-signed Felix Rosenqvist, meanwhile, looks likely to shift to McLaren’s new Formula E team.
Although Palou could conceivably make the move to Formula E, the US rumour mill has him firming for the last seat at McLaren SP in the single-seater series.
The IndyCar Series continues this weekend at Exhibition Place for the Honda Indy Toronto.
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