Ganassi decides to keep Palou in Toronto after signing with McLaren

Álex Palou is confirmed for the Toronto GP, which takes place this Sunday (17). According to Racer magazine, an insider at Ganassi confirmed that the reigning IndyCar Series champion will be in the #10 car for the race in Canada. The trend is also that the Spaniard will complete the season with the team before starting work with McLaren.

The confirmation comes after a shocking departure of Palou to the Woking team. Last Tuesday afternoon, Ganassi announced the renewal of the Spaniard's contract. Hours later, the driver himself communicated on his social networks that he did not recognize the agreement, that he had not authorized the quotation marks used in the statement, and that he wished to leave the team after the 2022 season.

Minutes later, McLaren announced the signing of the 25-year-old, but without specifying in which category Álex will race next year. In addition to Indy, the British team is setting up its team in Formula E and may have a spot in Formula 1 if it chooses to terminate the contract with Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Palou has also joined the pre-race car testing program, which also includes Pato O'Ward and Colton Herta, who recently tested the MCL35M in Portimao.

Palou's betrayal reportedly angered team boss Chip Ganassi, who went after an immediate replacement for the Spaniard. Brazilian Tony Kanaan, who competed in the last two Indianapolis 500 races with the team, was called to take over the #10, but sponsor issues led Ganassi to choose to keep Alex for the time being.

If he does indeed stay with the team for the rest of the season, Palou will have to work in an environment with completely frayed relationships. The race in Canada will be only the first of many uncomfortable situations for the Spaniard until the end of 2022.

Indy will hold the Toronto GP in Canada this Sunday (17), with full coverage by GRANDE PRÊMIO. The race is scheduled to start at 4:30 pm (Brasília).