McLaren has signed Alex Palou for the 2023 season with the addition of Formula 1 seat time
In a shocking twist after Chip Ganassi announced it was extending reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou’s contract, Palou has denounced the team and signed up for Mclaren. McLaren’s long bid to attract Palou with a significant salary and F1 seat time was never over, but earlier this week, Ganassi’s announcement that it had extended Palou’s contract included a quote from Palou endorsing the situation. This is indeed surprising that things have changed so soon and Palou is now a part of McLaren’s driver roster for 2023.
Palou took to Twitter to announce his McLaren move and claim that the quote issued by Ganassi wasn’t from him. Shortly after McLaren announced Palou, confirming he will get F1 seat time alongside O’Ward and Colton Herta – who tested at Portimao earlier this week – Palou followed up with his Tweet confirmation too.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing sounds really happy with the deal. “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“, said Brown.
Alex Palou is ecstatic to join McLaren
McLaren’s announcement doesn’t confirm Palou will race in IndyCar, only that he’ll join the McLaren Racing family. However, the prospect of getting F1 seat time is certainly very promising for the youngster.
“I’m extremely excited to join the driver roster for such an iconic team as McLaren. 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”, said Palou after the official announcement from McLaren.
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