Palou vs. McLaren Dispute Heats Up as IndyCar Season Approaches

Trackside hosts discuss testing, driver expectations, and the ongoing legal battle between Alex Palou and McLaren.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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On the latest episode of the Trackside podcast, hosts Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee recapped the first day of preseason testing at Sebring, with Alex Palou topping the timesheets and Romain Grosjean also getting laps in for Dale Coyne Racing. They were later joined by Jack Harvey of FOX Sports and IndyCar driver for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to discuss team and driver expectations for the upcoming season. In the second segment, Curt was joined by Nathan Brown of the IndyStar to provide more details on the ongoing legal dispute between Palou and his former team, McLaren.

Why it matters

The start of the IndyCar season is just around the corner, and the Palou vs. McLaren saga has been a major storyline throughout the offseason. As one of the top drivers in the series, Palou's future plans and the outcome of the legal battle could have significant implications on the 2023 championship battle.

The details

During the first day of preseason testing at Sebring, Alex Palou was fastest overall, while Romain Grosjean also got laps in for Dale Coyne Racing. Hosts Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee also discussed Hunter McElrea testing for Ed Carpenter Racing and the latest updates from Prema Racing. In the second segment, Curt and IndyStar reporter Nathan Brown dove deeper into the ongoing legal dispute between Palou and his former team, McLaren, providing more context on the complex situation.

  • The Trackside podcast episode aired on February 10, 2026.
  • The first day of preseason testing at Sebring took place prior to the podcast recording.

The players

Alex Palou

The 2021 IndyCar champion, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle with his former team, McLaren, over his 2023 plans.

McLaren

The racing team that claims it has a contract with Palou for the 2023 season, despite Palou signing with Chip Ganassi Racing.

Jack Harvey

An IndyCar driver for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing who joined the Trackside podcast to discuss team and driver expectations for the upcoming season.

Nathan Brown

An IndyStar reporter who provided more details on the ongoing legal dispute between Palou and McLaren.

Romain Grosjean

The former Formula 1 driver who tested for Dale Coyne Racing during the first day of preseason testing at Sebring.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.