Álex Palou came to the public to deny the information released by Ganassi that he would continue with the team in 2023. Spanish driver agreed with McLaren
Hours after Ganassi announced that it exercised the option to keep Álex Palou in the team for 2023, the Spaniard came to public denials and McLaren announced, on Tuesday night (12), the hiring of the reigning IndyCar driver for 2023. However, the team has not yet confirmed his presence on the American grid.
In a post on social media, Palou denies what was said by Ganassi and claims that he informed the team that he had no desire to continue after 2022 for "personal reasons," as well as accusing the team of attributing a line to him in the press release.
"I recently found out from the media this afternoon without my approval that Chip Ganassi Racing released a press release announcing that I would drive for the team in 2023. It is more surprising that the press release had quotes that did not come from me. I do not approve of the release, I am not the author, nor did I authorize the quotes. As I recently informed CGR, for personal reasons, I do not intend to remain with the team after 2022," stated Álex.
"Leaving aside the events of this afternoon, I have great respect for CGR, and I am looking forward to completing this strong season together," added the Spaniard.
McLaren also confirmed that Palou will also be part of the Formula 1 testing program, along with Pato O'Ward and Colton Herta, who are also drivers in the North American category. Herta, in fact, conducted a test in Portugal last Monday.
"We always said we wanted top talent at McLaren, and it's exciting to be able to include Álex in this list. I look forward to getting him behind the wheel of a Formula One car as part of our program alongside Pato O'Ward and Colton Herta as we continue to build our talent," commented McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
At the age of 25, Palou made his Indy debut in 2020 for Dale Coyne and transferred to Ganassi in 2021. With 3 wins and 549 points during the season, he became the champion in only his second year in the category. In the current season, Álex is fifth in the standings, still without wins, but with four podiums recorded.
McLaren says it is yet to confirm the driver line-ups for next season. Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi are confirmed for Indy, while Felix Rosenqvist has signed a flexible contract, and the team has not yet confirmed whether the Swede will continue in Indy or compete in Formula E.