962 replies to this topic

[Ross Stonefeld]

You guys seem to think he wasn't involved in this and doesn't know how his contract works. 

[juicy sushi]

Well, I can’t imagine he decided to ditch his first taste of economic security and racing success on his own. Of course he wants F1, more pay, and probably a return to Europe. But I somehow doubt he was willing to throw it all away instantly while completely ignoring a contract he had signed 12 months prior. I cannot imagine he did not know the option was one-way. So, I can only imagine someone else told him it could all be sorted out easily. The insanity of Palou yolo’ing this on his own is that it does not fit with his character as demonstrated.

[red stick]

Congratulations to Power! A worthy winner who now has all the accolades his speed and race craft (!) deserve. When he still finished on the podium in Mid-Ohio after spinning early in the race I knew it was going to be hard to look past him for the title.

I concur with comments about Newgarden’s intensity. He almost reminded me of Schumacher facing another second-place finish while trying to win the championship for Ferrari in its wilderness years. Too bad it’s hard to take either “Josef” or “Newgarden” and make a portmanteau with “Terminator”.

Dixon was almost laughably blasé about finishing third. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve done this so many times. Each year I keep expecting him to be too far away for a title tilt but he always manages to show up in the end. If he actually wins the 500 again, that’ll be the year of his seventh. I think that’s what it’s going to take.

The other Scotty is gonna be brutal next year. Ericsson I think fades back into obscurity. Palou, if he returns with Ganassi, will probably lead the team. Drivers at Andretti and Macca will have to hope their teams make a step up in the off-season.

It’s crowded at the front and that’s good for IndyCar fans. Cheers all.

It would be nice if McLaughlin could beat the "Herta Curse" of a strong finish to a season, but I think his team is well-positioned to pick up where they left off.  Ericsson's strength on ovals is no illusion and I think he will continue to be an asset at Ganassi.  I fear AMSP will have issues ramping up to three cars, given how long it took to make two work properly, and I think Andretti is in for several seasons in the wilderness, absent an off-season resolve to focus on what brung 'em, IndyCar.

[red stick]

You guys seem to think he wasn't involved in this and doesn't know how his contract works. 

It's certainly been a learning experience for him, evidently.  That mid-season confidence that it would all be worked out quickly now drags towards October.  And time is not on his side.

[red stick]

And like JS, I think he had help.  Really poor, ill-thought out help, but there we are.

[Ross Stonefeld]

But I think some of that is on Palou. Even if his management or lawyers were saying "We'll have to pay to get out of the contract but we'll come out ahead" Palou wasn't sharp enough to go "Uh, have you met Chip?".

[red stick]

Absolutely.  But I just don't think it was his idea.

 

You know more drivers than we do--how many of them really exhibit much business savvy?  As opposed to, "I just drive the cars, Baby, ask my manager."

Edited by red stick, 12 September 2022 - 15:49.

[Ross Stonefeld]

I think Palou was very aware and attracted to the higher pay deal, whatever weird Euro domicile angle there is to all this, and the F1 affiliation. Probably a decent company car too.

 

If his team instigated this whole thing he's a moron but should probably sue the bejesus out of them. But I doubt he's handed over power of attorney at his tender age.

[GlenWatkins]

Yes, it is very crowded at the front. And a 2023 with Power, Newgarden, McLaughlin, Pato, Palou, and Dixon all fighting it out, with Rossi, Ericsson, Rosenqvist, and Herta trying to force their way in will be quite a treat. Ilott and Malukas with one more year could also be pretty special, as will Lundgaard if RLL gives him a car consistently worthy of the abundant talent.

We need to appreciate this while we still have it, as it won't be like this forever.

F1 Supremacists are going to miss some great racing!

[loki]

There may have been an F1 carrot dangled for Palou but this move was about the Indycar team and I would ASSume more money.   He’s an adult and should understand the parameters of anything he signs.  He will need some guidance (which appears to be poor) but in the end he is responsible for his own career.   

[juicy sushi]

Josef has uploaded a supercut of his passes: https://youtu.be/rRwl3OydwZQ

[jonpollak]

And the extended onboard

Jp

[jonpollak]

 

Jp