The high-profile legal battle between McLaren Racing and four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou continues in London’s High Court, with Palou scheduled to testify on October 10. The case centers on a 2022 contract Palou signed to join McLaren’s IndyCar team in 2024, including a Formula 1 reserve role.
McLaren is seeking $20.7 million in damages, citing sponsorship losses, renegotiated deals, and additional driver salaries after Palou’s departure left the team in “crisis mode.” Palou admitted breaching the contract but disputes the amount, calling McLaren’s claims “vastly inflated.”
Two days of testimony from McLaren CEO Zak Brown have been tense. Brown denied promising Palou an F1 seat over Oscar Piastri, and rejected accusations of deleting messages or misleading the driver. Leaked texts from 2023 have fueled claims of “bad faith” negotiations, though McLaren insists records are preserved.
Palou’s statement highlighted his frustration after Piastri’s F1 signing, saying the IndyCar deal’s main appeal was the F1 pathway. He also confirmed exploring a move to Red Bull’s AlphaTauri team.
The trial is closely watched by motorsport fans and analysts, as it touches on McLaren’s driver management, sponsorship obligations, and the broader IndyCar-F1 talent pipeline. Verdicts are expected in the coming weeks, with an appeal likely regardless of outcome.
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