Team boss Palou lashes out at McLaren: 'What they say doesn't add up'

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Team boss Palou lashes out: 'McLaren ironically playing victim'
12 August 2023 at 18:24
Last update 12 August 2023 at 20:55
  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

A new chapter in the story surrounds Alex Palou. Chip Ganassi, team boss of Ganassi Racing's IndyCar team, has responded via a statement to Zak Brown's leaked letter to his Arrow McLaren staff, telling them that Palou was not coming to McLaren. Ganassi now announces that the Spaniard will remain at Ganassi Racing. A short-term move to F1 now seems off the table for now.

Letter from McLaren boss Zak Brown

It was announced on Saturday morning that Palou was staying at Ganassi after a letter from Zak Brown was sent to Arrow McLaren staff. In this letter, Brown stated that he was not happy with the actions of the Spaniard and that promises had already been made about Palou's move to the Mclaren team in the IndyCar series, and even that part of his salary had already been paid.

Response to McLaren

There has since been a response from the Ganassi Racing team boss, in which he lashed out at McLaren: "Anyone that knows me knows that I don't make a habit of commenting about contract situations. Subsequently, I have been quiet since day one of this story, but now I feel I must respond. I grew up respecting the McLaren team and its success. The new management does not get my same respect."

Ganassi continued: "Alex Palou has been a part of our team and under contract since the 2021 season. It is the interference of that contract from McLaren that began this process, and ironically, there are now playing the victim. Simply stated, the position of McLaren INDYCAR regarding our driver is not inaccurate and wrong; he remains under contract with CGR."