Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin recently responded to a fan’s question on X about the reality series Love Island USA, revealing his favorite contestant. The seventh season of the show features singles living together in a villa as they try to find love, with viewers eventually voting for their favorite couple to win a cash prize. McLaughlin’s engagement with the show highlighted his unexpected interest in the popular series, putting a spotlight on his personal preferences outside the racing circuit.
On June 16, after catching up on episodes of Love Island USA, McLaughlin was asked by a fan,
“who would you have voted for,”
to which he enthusiastically answered, “Huda absolutely no doubt.” This candid reply gave fans a glimpse of McLaughlin’s off-track personality and his favorite cast member.
Scott McLaughlin, known for driving the #3 Chevrolet-powered car for Team Penske, has shown versatility both on and off the track. Recently, he also competed in a Legends Car event alongside other prominent racers such as Keelan Harvick, son of NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick, and Shane Van Gisbergen from NASCAR.
Updates on McLaughlin’s 2025 IndyCar Campaign
Scott McLaughlin’s 2025 IndyCar season started promisingly with a strong performance at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, where he earned the pole position and secured a respectable fourth-place finish. Despite this momentum, challenges arose later in the season.
At the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on June 1, McLaughlin began qualifying in seventh place but ended the race in 12th after receiving a stop-and-go penalty. The penalty resulted from a collision with Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel during the race, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of competition and the fine margins between success and setback.
Team Penske Confronts Fallout from Indianapolis 500 Controversy
Following scrutiny after the Indianapolis 500, where two of Team Penske’s three cars failed the post-qualifying inspection, Scott McLaughlin and his team have been navigating significant fallout. The failure led to penalties sending the affected drivers to the back of the grid, alongside fines amounting to $100,000 and suspensions for the team’s race strategists.
In response, Team Penske made decisive leadership changes, parting ways with President Tim Cindric, IndyCar managing director Ron Ruzewski, and General Manager Kyle Moyer. Each of the three drivers involved received new race strategists specifically for the Indianapolis 500, including McLaughlin, whose race engineer Ben Bretzman was promoted to strategist for the event.
McLaughlin recently reflected on the impact of these developments, acknowledging the challenges ahead but also expressing hope for recovery. He said,
“Obviously, it’s a lot for the team to take in. We’re still working through things as we speak. Ultimately, I think the best thing that Penske has… the depth that we have throughout the whole factory. I’m really sort of excited to just get on with it, excited for the future of the team. I’m here for a long time. I’ve got an avid interest for this to work and to be as strong as we were before, which I believe we certainly can with the people we’ve got.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
He also expressed a somber recognition of the situation but remained determined to move forward:
“Sort of sad, obviously, like I said earlier about what happened. I respect the decision. You just got to press on and work with the people that you’ve got. We’ll be okay,”
the No. 3 Chevy driver concluded.
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
What Lies Ahead for Scott McLaughlin and Team Penske
As the 2025 IndyCar season progresses, Scott McLaughlin and Team Penske face the dual task of maintaining competitive performance while rebuilding trust and cohesion after the Indianapolis 500 controversy. McLaughlin’s openness about the team‘s internal struggles reflects a commitment to resilience and long-term success, especially with key personnel shifts now in place.
Meanwhile, McLaughlin’s surprising affinity for Love Island USA’s contestant Huda reveals a more relaxed and relatable side, showing that even top-tier drivers have varied interests beyond motorsports. As McLaughlin continues to balance racing ambitions with personal interests, fans will be watching closely to see how his season unfolds both on and off the track.
