F1 News: Alex Palou Comes Under Fire As Management Team Confirms Exit
Monaco Increase Management (MIM) has terminated its association with IndyCar champion Alex Palou after a controversy broke out involving him and McLaren. Palou is said to have backed off from a contract he entered into with McLaren which stated that the Spanish driver was to race the IndyCar Championship for the Woking outfit. In addition, he was also offered the role of McLaren Formula 1 reserve driver.
As per a report from The Associated Press, the CEO of McLaren Racing Zak Brown has circulated a letter to his employees expressing his disappointment as a result of Palou's actions. The team had invested quite a lot of money and time in Palou, apart from the payment of an advance to Palou on his 2024 salary.
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However, the ball still remains in Palou's court as Brown has offered him the option of honouring the contract. But MIM, who was responsible for setting up the deal with McLaren for Palou has decided to end all ties with the racer. The company released an official straightforward statement on its website stating:
"Monaco Increase Management is bitterly disappointed to learn about Alex Palou’s decision to break an existing agreement with McLaren for 2024 and beyond. Together, we had built a relationship that we thought went beyond any contractual obligation and culminated in winning the 2021 Indycar crown and tracing a path to F1 opportunities. Life goes on and we wish Alex all the best for his future achievements."
This seems like a first blow to Palou for the decisions taken by him. Despite his success with IndyCar and the fact that he's currently at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Gallagher Grand Prix, the Spaniard's trustworthiness could take quite a big hit with this one!