IndyCar driver U-turns on McLaren drive for 2024

IndyCar championship leader Alex Palou has reneged on a contract to race for McLaren next year, according to CEO Zak Brown.

Associated Press reported that Brown had sent a letter to McLaren employees detailing that Palou had previously given multiple assurances that he would be racing for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar in 2024.

However, Brown added that Palou had now told him that he had "no intention of honouring his contract" for next year – despite McLaren having already paid the Spaniard a portion of his 2024 earnings.

"This is incredibly disappointing considering the commitment he has made to us both directly and publicly and our significant investment in him based on that commitment," continued Brown's letter.

"We dedicated a lot of time, money and resources preparing to welcome Alex into our team because we believed in him and were looking forward to IndyCar wins with him.

"We were assured by Alex of his commitment to Arrow McLaren reflected in the contract he entered into with us."

Palou won the 2021 IndyCar championship, and leads this year's standings by 84 points ahead of Saturday's Gallagher Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.