The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team is set to compete in the 2025 season with drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard. Ahead of the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix, team principal Tony Kanaan shared insights into the team’s internal dynamics, specifically highlighting Pato O’Ward’s competitive relationship with his McLaren teammates.
During an interview with IndyCar on FOX, Kanaan noted that although O’Ward and his teammates are not friends, their interactions remain professional and contribute positively to the team environment.
Examining the Competitive Atmosphere Among Arrow McLaren Drivers
Kanaan clarified that O’Ward, who is considered the team’s leading driver, and Christian Lundgaard do not share a friendship but maintain mutual respect that fuels a productive rivalry. Nolan Siegel, as a rookie, is focused on learning and gaining experience within this environment.
“Their vibe, they are not friends, which is fine, I mean Christian wants to beat Pato; it’s Pato’s team, quote unquote. They are extremely respectful, Nolan is a rookie so he is there like trying to learn as much as he can, but between Pato and Christian, it is very healthy and productive for the team. Are they friends like I was with Dario or Dixon? No,” Kanaan said (0:10 onwards).
Currently, in the 2025 IndyCar drivers‘ standings, Pato O’Ward ranks second with 194 points, closely followed by Lundgaard in third with 181 points. Meanwhile, Nolan Siegel is positioned 19th, accumulating 82 points so far this season.
Pato O’Ward Reflects on Challenging Start at Detroit Grand Prix
The 2025 season has presented fluctuating results for Pato O’Ward, America’s top open-wheel racing driver. While he has shown moments of strength, maintaining consistency in qualifying rounds and race finishes has proven challenging this year.
O’Ward experienced a notable setback at the recent Detroit Grand Prix, where he qualified in 18th place, a disappointing position given the significance of the street track event. Despite this, he demonstrated resilience, having finished third in the prestigious Indy 500 just a week earlier.
“It’s been a really difficult and challenging weekend. We’ll just have to see what tomorrow could bring,” O’Ward said via Arrow McLaren.
O’Ward has been a part of the IndyCar series since the 2018 Grand Prix of Sonoma and has frequently contended for the drivers’ championship. Last year, he scored 460 points, securing three wins and six top-five finishes, which resulted in a fifth-place standing for the season.
The Road Ahead: O’Ward’s Quest to Retain His Standing
Presently holding second place in the standings, just behind leader Alex Palou from Chip Ganassi with 306 points, O’Ward’s performance in upcoming races like the Detroit Grand Prix will be crucial. Maintaining momentum in the latter half of the season will play a vital role in his bid for the championship title.
The competitive dynamic within Arrow McLaren, under Kanaan’s leadership, emphasizes healthy rivalry over camaraderie, pushing each driver to excel. This approach could ultimately benefit the team‘s overall results as the 2025 IndyCar season progresses.
