Fernando Alonso unexpectedly drawn into McLaren v Palou court case

Alex Palou says he was misled by McLaren over an F1 pathway as their London court fight continues — and he pointed to Fernando Alonso’s failed IndyCar runs with McLaren as proof machinery matters. Betting angle: Palou’s 2023–25 IndyCar dominance makes him a strong favourite in race and championship markets, while backing McLaren-linked IndyCar options looks riskier given their historic struggles.

Palou drags Alonso into McLaren contract trial as courtroom battle continues

Hearing in London has seen Alex Palou defend his decision to withdraw from a McLaren IndyCar deal, arguing he was “deceived” about an eventual route into Formula 1. McLaren has filed a claim for $20.7 million in damages, saying Palou reneged on an agreed contract covering IndyCar and a potential F1 seat.

How the dispute began

McLaren announced a deal to sign Palou in 2022, but Chip Ganassi Racing asserted it had exercised a contract option to keep the driver. Palou ultimately remained with Chip Ganassi as an IndyCar driver and also filled a reserve driver role for McLaren in Formula 1, with expectations he might join McLaren’s IndyCar operation in 2024 and eye an F1 future.

Palou’s courtroom defence

On the witness stand, Palou said he believed McLaren CEO Zak Brown had suggested a real opportunity for a full-time F1 seat — a prospect Palou now describes as a negotiating tactic to secure his signature for McLaren’s IndyCar programme. “At the time, I thought he was genuine,” Palou said. “I now consider that Zak made me think that there was an opportunity to have the full-time F1 seat as a negotiating tactic to get me to sign for McLaren’s IndyCar team.”

Alonso referenced to illustrate a point about machinery

Palou cited Fernando Alonso’s attempts at the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren to argue that even elite drivers can be hamstrung by inferior equipment. He highlighted Alonso’s unsuccessful 2019 qualification attempt and the 2017 and 2020 outings — including an engine failure in 2017 and a 21st-place finish in 2020 — to underline that top talent alone does not guarantee IndyCar success without the right team and package. “If a driver does not have the machinery and the best team around, then that driver cannot win races,” Palou told the court.

On-track form and the bigger picture

Since the dispute’s peak, Palou has gone on to win the 2023, 2024 and 2025 IndyCar titles with Chip Ganassi, reinforcing his case that consistency and strong equipment deliver championships. Meanwhile, McLaren have enjoyed success in Formula 1, securing a Constructors’ title and fielding two drivers — Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris — who are closely matched in the championship fight.

Betting and sporting implications

Palou’s dominant run with Chip Ganassi should inform betting markets: he is a strong candidate for race wins and future championship markets in IndyCar. Conversely, McLaren-branded IndyCar bets look cautious given the team’s historical struggles in the series. In Formula 1 markets, McLaren’s improved form keeps their drivers in title conversations, but IndyCar and F1 performances remain separate considerations for punters.

Trial status

The London High Court case is ongoing as both sides present evidence and testimony. The dispute will hinge on contractual interpretation, alleged negotiations around an F1 pathway, and whether McLaren can substantiate its damages claim.

Fernando Alonso's IndyCar 500 failures made up part of Alex Palou's defence in the ongoing McLaren case...

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