Overview

• Documents presented in the London case state Ryo Hirakawa paid about $3.5 million for a 2024 Abu Dhabi FP1 run with McLaren, including two Testing of Previous Cars outings.
• McLaren is seeking roughly $20–$20.7 million in damages from Alex Palou, who admits breaching his agreement but argues he owes nothing based on alleged F1 inducements and his own FP1 costs.
• Zak Brown testified under cross-examination that even Lando Norris paid for early testing before earning a full-time seat with McLaren.
• Reporting from the hearings details how teams monetize FIA rookie practice requirements by selling FP1 opportunities to drivers or backers.
• McLaren has rejected scrutiny over alleged deletion of WhatsApp messages as the High Court proceedings continue.