Palou denies Ganassi’s claim he will stay as McLaren announce him as 2023 driver · RaceFans

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Alex Palou has brought about a sensation by denying he’ll proceed to drive for Ganassi subsequent 12 months hours after the staff introduced it had taken up an choice on his providers.

Quickly afterwards McLaren introduced the reigning IndyCar champion will be a part of them in 2023 and take part in a Formulation 1 check programme just like that of Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward.

Ganassi issued a press launch on Tuesday which acknowledged the staff had taken up an choice on Palou for 2023. Nevertheless in a press release on social media Palou stated Ganassi’s announcement was inaccurate and he had not issued the accompanying quote which the staff attributed to him.

“I’ve lately realized from the media that this afternoon, with out my approval, Chip Ganassi Racing issued a press launch asserting that I’d be driving with CGR in 2023,” stated Palou. “Much more stunning was that CGR’s launch included a ‘quote’ which didn’t come from me.

“I didn’t approve that press launch, and I didn’t writer or approve that quote. As I’ve lately knowledgeable CGR, for private causes, I don’t intend to proceed with the staff after 2022.

“This night’s unlucky occasions apart, I’ve nice respect for the CGR staff, and stay up for ending this season strongly collectively.”

Shortly after Palou rejected Ganassi’s declare he’ll stay on the staff, McLaren introduced he’ll be a part of them subsequent 12 months.

“Now we have all the time stated that we wish the most effective expertise at McLaren, and it’s thrilling to have the ability to embrace Alex on that record,” stated McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. “I’m additionally wanting ahead to seeing him get behind the wheel of a Formulation 1 automobile as a part of our Testing of Earlier Vehicles programme alongside Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta as we proceed to construct our driver expertise.”

Whereas McLaren hasn’t confirmed the way it will divide its drivers between its varied groups, Palou is prone to slot in alongside O’Ward and fellow newcomer Alexander Rossi as a part of a three-strong IndyCar line-up. Felix Rosenqvist, who at the moment drives for the staff in IndyCar and lately prolonged his contract, is tipped to return to Formulation E as a part of McLaren’s new entry into the all-electric single-seater sequence.

“Our full driver line-up throughout all racing sequence will probably be confirmed in the end,” stated McLaren.

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