Alex Palou is weighing further legal action after the ruling in his dispute with McLaren Racing. In a detailed statement the Spanish driver responded to the judgment, stressing that McLaren’s claims relating to Formula 1 activities were entirely dismissed. Despite that, he has been ordered to pay the team twelve million dollars in damages.
“The court rejected McLaren’s Formula 1 claims against me in their entirety — claims that at one point amounted to nearly $15 million,” Palou said. “I want to thank Otmar Szafnauer for his expert support.”
The IndyCar racer explicitly ties the dispute to the absence of a prospect for an F1 seat at McLaren. “This simply happened because I chose not to drive for McLaren after I learned they could not offer me a Formula 1 opportunity,” Palou explained.
Despite being partially vindicated, Palou is critical of the damages awarded. “I am disappointed that any damages were awarded at all. McLaren did not suffer a loss because of my decision, particularly given what they gained with the driver who replaced me,” he said. Palou says he is currently considering his next steps. He will begin next month his sixth season in the IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he aims once again to play a leading role.
