McLaren vs Palou court case begins, Brown on witness list

Though the Spanish driver's lawyers on Monday argued that Palou owed McLaren nothing. The Zak Brown-led organisation, which runs the reigning Formula 1 World Champions and the Arrow McLaren team in IndyCar, is suing the 28-year-old Spaniard after his move fell apart three years ago.

In recent years, McLaren have emerged as a dominant force in Formula 1, winning the Constructors' Title last year for the first time since 1998. They are on course to win both titles this season, with Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris in the 2025 Formula 1 drivers' standings.

Their IndyCar team, however, are relatively new and Palou agreeing a deal in late 2022 to join was a coup, according to McLaren's lawyers.

Palou, however, ultimately stayed with Chip Ganassi Racing and won three consecutive IndyCar titles from 2023 to 2025, plus May's Indianapolis 500.

McLaren's lawyers say the team have missed out on "the on-track success it would otherwise have achieved" with Palou as their driver and are claiming $19.7 million to cover losses, including in relation to sponsorship deals and other drivers' salaries.

Palou has admitted breaching his contract, but his lawyers say McLaren's alleged losses are vastly inflated and that McLaren have mitigated any losses.

His legal team have accused McLaren of trying to "take Mr Palou to the cleaners", though McLaren say Chip Ganassi Racing have agreed to cover any sums the court might rule Palou owes.

Palou and McLaren CEO Brown are among the witnesses expected to give evidence at the trial, which is due to conclude in November. (