Alex Palou found himself in the eye of the storm when it was announced in July that he would be leaving Ganassi for McLaren Racing following the 2022 season. option of the 2021 IndyCar Champion for an additional year, which sparked a legal dispute between the two parties.
Due to this situation, Palou’s future remained up in the air for two months but, in a stunning twist, the Spaniard announced on Wednesday that he was finally staying put rather than joining Arrow McLaren SP. “I am happy to report that Chip Ganassi Racing and I have reached an agreement, and that I will be back in the #10 car next season. Looking forward to a GREAT YEAR 2023!” tweeted Palou.
It was understood that as well as having a better deal as IndyCar champion, Palou’s move to McLaren also meant the promise of involvement in the F1 programme. While McLaren have signed Alpine protege Oscar Piastri to replace Daniel Ricciardo alongside Lando Norris in 2023, the deal covering trials at McLaren will continue for Palou with Ganassi’s approval.
“Álex Palou will remain in Chip Ganassi Racing’s #10 car for the 2023 IndyCar season”says a statement from Ganassi. “The agreement gives him the ability to test separate competition cars, provided it does not directly conflict with his IndyCar commitments.”
Palou added being “grateful that Chip Ganassi Racing [lui] allows F1 testing to continue outside of [ses] engagements en IndyCar”. “Thanks, Chip, Mike [Hull, directeur général de Ganassi] and the entire team for your willingness to work together and help support both the team and my personal goals through this process.”he concluded.
Palou dominated IndyCar’s season finale last weekend at Laguna Seca and following the race was seen sharing a hug with team boss Ganassi, suggesting their relationship had warmed since the start. signing episode at McLaren. At this time, it is unclear what agreement, if any, Ganassi and McLaren Racing had to reach to resolve the situation.
Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet
As a result of the Palou announcement, Arrow McLaren SP has revealed that Rosenqvist will continue with the team alongside Pato O’Ward and Álexander Rossi, who arrives fromAndretti Autosport. Rosenqvist had a contract with the McLaren Racing group for 2023 but, due to the imminent arrival of Palou, it had been suggested that the Swede would return to Formula E to race with McLaren’s new team in the electric championship.
Shortly following this series of announcements, McLaren posted a tweet stating: “Pato O’Ward and Álex Palou are taking part in a private test driving the MCL35M in Barcelona this week as part of our car testing program [des années] previous.”