There is confusion about the future of defending NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou. It had been reported that the Spaniard had signed a new contract with Chip Ganassi Racing.
This however is not the case with the Spaniard tweeting on Tuesday evening:
3/3
This evening’s unfortunate events aside, I have great respect for the CGR team, and look forward to finishing this season strongly together.
— Alex Palou Montalbo (@AlexPalou) July 12, 2022
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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. Even more surprising was that CGR’s release included a “quote” which did not come from me.
— Alex Palou Montalbo (@AlexPalou) July 12, 2022
Palou has infact joined Arrow McLaren SP for the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series as driver and their official Formula One test driver.
Speaking about the news, he said:
“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.”
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says:
“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. 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.”
It is safe to say that the Honda Indy Toronto is going to be very interesting this weekend.