(Motorsport) Alex Palou will be Formula 1 team McLaren’s reserve driver for the 2023 season and will be present at all the Grand Prix’s as long as they don’t coincide with his commitments in IndyCar where he races for the Ganassi team. The Spaniard won the 2021 IndyCar title and drove for McLaren in practice at the US Grand Prix as well as in two private tests. McLaren have not yet commented with regards to who will be available in Palou’s absence. The team had access to four reserve drivers in the 2022 season.
“Alex impressed with his first practice session in Austin and his driver development tests this year. He has many notable motorsports achievements so far, particularly the 2021 IndyCar championship title, so it’s brilliant to be able to expand his role in the team and we look forward to working more closely with him.”
Team principal Andreas Seidl
Privileged to join @McLarenF1 as a reserve driver for the upcoming F1 season alongside my INDYCAR championship hunt!
— Alex Palou Montalbo (@AlexPalou) December 1, 2022#McLarenF1 pic.twitter.com/ZkUXA1p3F9
Earlier this year, Palou was involved in a contract dispute between McLaren and Ganassi as both teams insisted that he was under contract with them for the 2023 season. The IndyCar team went on to file a lawsuit against Palou and an agreement was reached between all parties that the Spaniard will continue with Ganassi in IndyCar next season while being allowed to test for McLaren. Palou is expected to switch to McLaren’s IndyCar team for the 2024 season.
Also read: Formula 1: Mercedes careful to avoid post title slump like Red Bull and Ferrari
