The news has been confirmed, Alex Palou has signed a deal with McLaren racing. He will also become a part of McLaren’s testing of previous car (TPC) program, meaning he will test in a 2021 F1 car.
Shortly before the McLaren release was published, Palou went on social media to express his frustration with Chip Ganassi Racing.
“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,” he wrote. “Even more surprising was that CGR’s release included a ‘quote’ which did not come from me. I did not approve that press release, and I did not author or approve that quote.
“As I have recently informed CGR, for personal reasons, I do not intend to continue with the team after 2022. This evening’s unfortunate events aside, I have great respect for the CGR team, and look forward to finishing this season strongly together.”
“We have always said that we want the best talent at McLaren, and it’s exciting to be able to include Alex (Palou) on that list,” McLaren CEO Zac Brown said. “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.”
What Does This Mean For The Rest of the McLaren Drivers?
With Palou’s deal signed, and many other drivers under McLaren contract, it will be hard to guess where everyone goes with F1, IndyCar and their new Formula E team. The main drivers among these are Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo, Colton Herta (F1 testing deal, not signed to race for McLaren yet) and now Alex Palou.
IndyCar World’s predictions are listed down below.
F1: Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo will pair up for at least another season, Ricciardo may be replaced by Pato O’Ward in 2024.
IndyCar: O’Ward will stay for 2023, Rossi will drive in the second car and Palou will stay in IndyCar.
Formula E: Rosenqvist, who has previous FE experience, will move their for 2023 along with another driver yet to be announced.
With the new Andretti F1 Team coming in 2024, and Michael Andretti wanting to put Herta in an F1 seat, Herta will probably end up there after another Andretti IndyCar campaign in 2023.
In Total
There is sure to be more news about this deal in the near future, but that’s all for now, updates coming soon.