McLaren CEO Brown confirms: 'We've started a legal process against Palou'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, has reacted to the soap opera currently unfolding around IndyCar driver Alex Palou, who has no intention of honouring agreements made with McLaren for the 2024 IndyCar season. Brown says he is "very disappointed" and confirms that the team has started legal proceedings against the driver.

Palou would switch to the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team in 2024, having previously been part of a contractual battle between the Woking-based team and Chip Ganassi Racing. A contract had not been signed yet, which Brown stated in his letter to McLaren. However, there was to be a verbal agreement, but Palou has no intention of honouring it.

McLaren boss confirms legal action against Palou

"Alex informed us that he has no intention of honouring his contract with us in IndyCar or Formula 1. We have a contract, so it's now in a legal process. We filed in London courts last week against him, both as a person and his business entity. And we'll just let the legal proceedings carry the situation forward," Brown informed to GPblog and others.

The 51-year-old American called Palou's action "very disappointing". "We had a very good relationship. He hasn't personally communicated with me about it, which is rather disappointing. Given all that we had done for him and the opportunities that we provided. I don't think his decision has anything to do with McLaren," Brown continued.

"Our relationship was very strong, so very disappointed with how it's been handled on a personal level. I think our relationships with our drivers are something that McLaren takes very seriously. I think we do a good job of creating a family environment for our drivers. So to be let down, especially in that manner, is pretty disappointing," the McLaren boss said.