Álex Palou did not want to talk about the controversy involving Ganassi's departure to McLaren in 2023, and assured that the focus on the fight for the championship is up to date
Álex Palou arrives for the Toronto GP under pressure. Last Tuesday, the Spaniard became hot topic in the world of motorsports when he publicly denied staying at Chip Ganassi Racing and confirmed signing with McLaren for 2023.
The standoff between the parties was so big that Ganassi considered pulling Palou out of the #10 car as early as the Canadian race. With tempers calmer, the reigning IndyCar Series champion dodged questions about the imbroglio on the eve of the race in Toronto.
"I don't want to comment on my intentions. I understand that this is something you guys are super interested in, I really do, and I would do the same in your position, but I have nothing more to add. I'm not going to say any more than I already have," he told the Indy Star newspaper.
IndyCar champion in 2021, Palou has yet to win a race in 2022 and is fourth in the championship, 35 points behind teammate and leader Marcus Ericsson. The Spaniard preaches that his goal hasn't changed after the public fight, and that he keeps his motivation up even though he is less than ideal.
"I'm super happy where I am, I'm still committed to try to win this championship since race 1, I'm very happy with my team, my team, my teammates, with everything. Nothing has changed, not after money and nothing in particular. Just this championship we have to try to win," he followed,
"Of course it's not ideal, especially for the team around me, but for me, everything is fine. I'm a warrior, it's not going to stop me. If people think this is going to affect me on the track or something, then they don't know me," he added.
The Indy races take place in Toronto, Canada, this Sunday (17th). The race is scheduled to start at 4:30 pm (Brasília time).