Before "Piastri case” which involved Alpine and McLaren, the latter having become the protagonist of another extremely similar case in America. Indeed, in the IndyCar Series, 2021 champion Alex Palou found himself at the center of a legal battle between McLaren and Chip Ganassi Racing, with both claiming they have a contract in force for 2023. As in Formula 1, the situation has resolved through legal channels, in favor of Ganassi in this case. However, McLaren has obtained the opportunity to exploit the Spanish driver for tests and the like in Formula 1, making it official today.
According to the communiqueAlex Palou "He will be one of the team's reserve drivers at all events where there is no conflict with his IndyCar commitments". Palou made his Formula 1 debut during the first free practice in the States, at the CoTA. The Spaniard also took part in tests with the 2021 car in Barcelona and Spielberg to familiarize himself with the team and the car.
The American controversy: Palou against McLaren also in IndyCar
We have previously mentioned the controversy surrounding the Alpine-McLaren dispute over the future of Oscar Piastri, and a similar controversy in the States. Palou, who currently races with Chip Ganassi Racing, had also been announced by the team for 2023. This announcement, however, was followed by a denial by the Spaniard, and an announcement by McLaren relating precisely to Palou. The matter, unlike Formula 1, went straight to civil court, and an agreement between the parties was quickly reached soon after. There is no doubt that Palou will join McLaren in 2024 as far as the IndyCar scene is concerned, but he remains a very strong bond with F1. Is it possible for him to land in the top flight? During an interview some time ago, Palou admitted that he hoped for Formula 1, but in the current situation there don't seem to be many seats available for the young 25-year-old from Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, a village of six thousand inhabitants in the province of Barcelona. We'll see what the future holds, also taking into account the possibilities for him to compete in free practice and therefore put himself in the spotlight.
