During the race weekend in Singapore, Pato O’Ward, who drives in the IndyCar series for Arrow McLaren, could become McLaren’s reserve driver in place of Alex Palou.
A battle has erupted in a British court between Palou and McLaren Racing, as Zak Brown claims the Spaniard had signed a contract for 2024 and also received an advance, but refused to meet his obligations.
Alex, who recently became IndyCar champion for the second time, will continue to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing next season.
When McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown was asked if they planned to continue their partnership with Palou, he replied: “Technically he is still our reserve driver. But the situation is changing as I don’t think it will be released in Singapore even though it is required to do so.
But this year we had several reserve drivers, and now this training continues. It was assumed that Palou would work with us for all remaining races after the end of the IndyCar season. But I’m pretty sure he won’t show up in Singapore even though we have booked a hotel room for him.
After what happened, we haven’t heard a word from Palou at all. The way things are unfolding amazes me. What happened, happened, but the problem is also how he behaves.”
There are agreements between McLaren and Mercedes that Mick Schumacher can take over as reserve driver if necessary. Pato O’Ward does not yet have an FIA super license, so McLaren will be able to use his services if the Mexican receives this document, but for that he must perform well in today’s final race of the IndyCar season at Laguna Seca .
If O’Ward manages to collect enough points to secure a super license, the decision on who becomes McLaren’s reserve in Singapore will be made by Andrea Stella, the head of the British team.
According to Pato, tests are scheduled for October in Barcelona where he will drive a McLaren car as his partnership with the Formula 1 team continues.
“I still have one of the remaining races of the season to practice, so I’m going to Mexico City, Austin, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi and I’m already excited,” O’Ward confirmed.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
