INDIANAPOLIS — There were a lot of unsubstantial rumors floating around a few months ago that Alex Palou was listening to offers to leave Chip Ganassi Racing at the end of the 2022 NTT INDYCAR Series season and be joining Arrow McLaren SP. I never bought into those rumors because who leaves a team that you just won a championship for? It’s not like Palou has regressed in 2022.

Why leave for uncertainty when you can be the lead man at one of the series’ top teams. On Tuesday, those rumors became proven false. Ganassi exercised its option to extend Palou through the 2023 season.

“Alex’s track record speaks for itself,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “He’s a proven champion and one of the most formidable drivers in the world. We are very excited to continue working together.”

Palou won CGR’s 14th INDYCAR SERIES championship in 2021, also becoming the first Spaniard to ever win the season title. The defending NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion has continued to impress this year, securing his 12th podium finish in his 25th career race with Chip Ganassi Racing at Mid-Ohio.

Palou will return to the CGR fold for his third season with the team next year.

“It’s a great feeling knowing I’ll be back with Chip Ganassi Racing next season,” said Alex 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 No. 10 NTT DATA car and everyone within the organization. The goals remain the same and we will continue to work relentlessly towards achieving them.”