Alex Palou maintains he is “not disappointed” due to a legal conflict with McLaren that could have hampered his ambition to enter Formula 1.
After securing the 2021 championship, the 26-year-old Spaniard is on track for his second Indycar title this season.
He had also been highly speculated to make a move to Formula 1, particularly because of his association with McLaren. However, the organization, led by Zak Brown, is currently seeking legal action against Palou for up to $30 million for breaching a contract to join McLaren’s Indycar team.
Breaking his silence this week, Palou spoke in an interview aired by DAZN.
“I know a lot about law now, I’ve had classes for a year,” he said.
“I would have liked a quieter year, so I hope that happens in 2024 and in the rest of my career,” Palou noted.
“Honestly, I don’t understand,” he remarked when questioned about McLaren’s supposed $20-$30 million lawsuit.
“I guess everyone can ask for what they want. Maybe I can ask you for 400 million for asking me a difficult question,” he quipped.
On the subject of whether he is disheartened that the legal feud might have temporarily derailed his F1 dreams, Palou responded: “Well, no.”
“I think they did give me a lot of chances. I ran for them in COTA and they also gave me some chances this year – I did a test in Budapest.”
“But I’m personally not disappointed that I won’t get another [chance]. I can only say that I am sad about how it has turned out.”
“One day I will maybe write a book so everyone can understand what happened in 2022 and 2023, month by month. For now, I’m not going to give too many more details. Doing so right now wouldn’t help anyone.”
“When the season is over I’ll be able to explain myself more,” he added. “I’m trying to get away from all this and focus on the racing, but I know what’s happening at every step and I can’t do much else from my side.”
