Jan.26 (GMM) Alex Palou has been ordered to pay more than $12 million to McLaren after London’s High Court brought an end to the long-running breach-of-contract dispute between the two parties.
The case stemmed from Palou’s decision to walk away from agreements to join McLaren’s Indycar program, choosing instead to remain with Chip Ganassi after McLaren signed Oscar Piastri for its Formula 1 team.
The court ruled that McLaren was entitled to damages linked to losses suffered by its Indycar operation, including sponsorship impacts, while dismissing McLaren’s claims relating specifically to Formula 1.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said the team had attempted to avoid legal action.
“I never wanted to end up in court,” he said. “It’s not really how we do things at McLaren Racing, and we tried hard to find a solution at the time,” Brown said. “In the end, Alex – supported by a large legal team – sadly left us no option, and they now have a very significant legal bill to show for it.”
Palou, a multiple Indycar champion, welcomed the dismissal of McLaren’s Formula 1 claims but criticised the overall outcome.
“The court has dismissed in their entirety McLaren’s Formula 1 claims against me which once stood at almost $15 million,” Palou said in a statement. “I’m disappointed that any damages have been awarded to McLaren.
“I am considering my options with my advisers and have no further comments to make at this stage.”
Palou continues to race for Chip Ganassi Racing, which has reiterated its full support for the Spaniard.