McLaren, Palou Enter Mediation Over $30 Million Lawsuit

IndyCar champion Alex Palou is set for mediation in London following the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as McLaren Racing sues him for at least $30 million over a breach of contract. Palou had initially signed with McLaren in 2022 but later decided to remain with Chip Ganassi Racing, leading to the legal dispute. His change of heart was influenced by the locked contracts of McLaren's current F1 drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, which made Palou doubt his chances of securing a full-time F1 role. McLaren is seeking damages for the salary advance paid to Palou, expenses incurred for his development, and financial losses from sponsors who expected him to drive. The mediation is scheduled for Tuesday, and if no settlement is reached, the case will proceed to trial. This situation has left McLaren's IndyCar team scrambling for a driver late in their planning phase for 2024.