Update: Palou has denied this report, and McLaren has announced that Palou will drive its team in 2023 instead. Original story follows.
Chip Ganassi Racing has announced that it has exercised its option to extend Alex Palou’s contract through the 2023 IndyCar season.
The extension will mean that Palou will return to Ganassi for a third consecutive year, and the team has stated its intentions to keep the same driver lineup for the foreseeable future.
“Alex’s track record speaks for itself,” said team owner Chip Ganassi in the release. “He’s a proven champion and one of the most formidable drivers in the world. We are very excited to continue working together.”
Palou has won three races and earned 12 podiums in his nearly two years with Ganassi, and is regularly able to finish higher than his veteran team-mate Scott Dixon.
The reigning series champion has yet to win a race this year, but sits fourth in the points just behind Josef Newgarden.
Rumors began to make the rounds earlier in the season that Arrow McLaren SP had been attempting to lure Palou over to their program, but this announcement delays any potential movement by the 22-year-old.
“It’s a great feeling knowing I’ll be back with Chip Ganassi Racing next season,” said Palou. “The team welcomed me with open arms from day one, and I’m excited to continue working with Chip, Mike Hull, the folks on the #10 NTT DATA car and everyone within the organization.
“The goals remain the same and we will continue to work relentlessly towards achieving them.”
