Álex Palou's lawyer answered Chip Ganassi, which sued the driver in court after contractual imbroglio after signing with McLaren. Note says team tries to prevent Spanish driver's chance in F1
One day after Chip Ganassi sued Álex Palou in the American courts, the Spanish driver's lawyers responded. Palou signed a contract with McLaren for 2023, but Ganassi says it exercised its option to hold the reigning IndyCar champion on the team next season.
Rachel E. Epstein of Quinn Emanuel Urqhart & Sullivan released a statement lamenting Ganassi's stance, saying that the team is trying to "prevent an opportunity for Álex to race in Formula 1." The Spanish driver did not have the category in which he will race specified in the announcement made by McLaren.
"We are disappointed that Chip Ganassi Racing is trying to prevent Álex from an opportunity to compete in Formula 1, and even more so with the process and continued comments to the press on this matter. Álex has always given his best effort for CGR, and it is unfortunate that they are trying to deny Álex this opportunity. We hope the parties can resolve this amicably, but if not, we look forward to resolving this matter in a private court as CGR has requested," the note said.
Ganassi attached four pieces of evidence to the lawsuit to support its claim of leaking "confidential business information" about the deal between Palou and team, including the driver's July 12 tweet. The team also added the tweet from McLaren, which announced that same night a deal with Alex, as well as the press release sent out by the Woking-based marque.
Ganassi has requested an immediate hearing on the injunction request, so that the case can be heard before the end of August. Last Wednesday (27), the team released a statement confirming the lawsuit, but guaranteeing support for Palou through the end of the season.
"Álex Palou is under contract with Chip Ganassi Racing through the end of the 2023 season. He is a valued member of our team and we will continue to support him in his quest for Indy wins, podiums and championships. As a result of a rival team trying to hire him inappropriately, ignoring the terms of our contract, we are taking legal action under our contract," he added.
The public imbroglio between Ganassi and Palou became clear on the 12th. The team announced that it had exercised its option to keep the reigning IndyCar champion Spaniard for the 2023 season. Hours later, Álex denied the information on social media, accused the team of having associated a line with his name without authorization, and subsequently, McLaren announced the hiring of the driver.
In the McLaren statement, it was not clear in which category Álex will race in 2023, only confirming that the Spaniard will be part of the previous Formula 1 car testing program, in which Colton Herta and Pato O'Ward, also Indy drivers, already participate. For next season, the team has Lando Norris confirmed in F1 and Alexander Rossi confirmed in Indy.