Alex Palou will remain a Chip Ganassi IndyCar driver in 2023 after a deal was struck to allow him to partake in Formula 1 testing. In July, Ganassi announced Palou would be driving the #10 car for next season and continue his stint with the team, but the Spanish driver rebuked the statement, saying it had been released without his knowledge or consent. He attempted to sign with McLaren, with a potential view for an F1 seat, as Ganassi took his own driver to an arbitration court to hold him to his contract. McLaren eventually gave the seat to Oscar Piastri instead as out-going champion Palou claimed his first victory of the season in the finale at Laguna Seca on September 11th. Palou has now confirmed he is to stay at Ganassi, but will take part in a testing programme with McLaren's F1 operation.
"I am grateful that Chip Ganassi Racing will allow me to pursue F1 testing with McLaren outside of my IndyCar commitments," Palou wrote on social media. "Thank you Chip, Mike [Hull], and the entire team for your willingness to work together and help support both the team and my personal goals throughout this process." Palou has never driven F1 machinery, ahead of an expected announcement from McLaren he is to take part in a test at Barcelona this week using the 2021 car, alongside fellow IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward, who races for the Arrow McLaren SP squad. McLaren have also confirmed that O'Ward and new teammate Alexander Rossi will be joined by incumbent Felix Rosenqvist at the team for the 2023 after speculation about the Swede's own future.
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I’m excited to announce that @CGRTeams and I have come to an agreement and I’ll be back in the No. 10 car next season! Looking forward to a BIG 2023! 🦍 pic.twitter.com/wIhaPdYj9q — Alex Palou Montalbo (@AlexPalou) September 14, 2022
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