| Base | Indianapolis, IN |
| Owners | McLaren Racing / Sam Schmidt / Ric Peterson |
| Engine | Chevrolet |
| Series | NTT IndyCar Series |
| 2026 Drivers | #5 Pato O'Ward, #6 Nolan Siegel, #7 Christian Lundgaard, #31 Ryan Hunter-Reay (Indy 500 only) |
2026 Season Stats
Team History
Arrow McLaren represents the fusion of two powerful motorsport brands - the legendary McLaren Racing organization and the Indianapolis-based Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team. McLaren, one of the most iconic names in Formula 1 history with 20 world championships and multiple Indianapolis 500 victories, acquired a stake in Sam Schmidt's IndyCar team in 2019. The partnership was rebranded as Arrow McLaren SP before settling on its current Arrow McLaren identity, bringing McLaren's global racing expertise and resources to the American open-wheel scene.
The team's roots stretch back to Sam Schmidt's founding of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in the early 2000s. Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver who was paralyzed in a testing crash at Walt Disney World Speedway in 2000, built his team into a competitive midfield operation. The addition of Ric Peterson as co-owner and the Arrow Electronics title sponsorship gave the team the financial foundation to grow. When McLaren came aboard, the team gained access to McLaren's engineering resources, simulator technology, and the broader McLaren Racing infrastructure that supports its Formula 1, Formula E, and Extreme E programs.
Under the Arrow McLaren banner, the team has become one of IndyCar's most competitive outfits. Pato O'Ward has emerged as the team's star driver and one of the most exciting talents in IndyCar, winning multiple races and consistently challenging for the championship. The young Mexican driver has become a fan favorite with his aggressive driving style and charismatic personality. McLaren's involvement has also opened doors for driver crossovers between IndyCar and F1, with several McLaren F1 drivers testing IndyCar equipment. For 2026, the team runs three full-time entries with O'Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard, plus a fourth Indy 500-only entry for veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay. The team is still seeking its first Indianapolis 500 victory under the McLaren banner - a goal that carries extra weight given McLaren's famous Indy 500 wins with drivers like Johnny Rutherford in the 1970s and 1980s.
Current Drivers
- #5 Pato O'Ward - Team leader, multiple race winner, championship contender
- #6 Nolan Siegel - Young American talent, Indy NXT graduate
- #7 Christian Lundgaard - Danish former Formula 2 driver, rising IndyCar talent
- #31 Ryan Hunter-Reay - 2014 Indy 500 winner, 2012 champion (Indy 500 only)
Indianapolis 500 Victories
Arrow McLaren has not yet won the Indianapolis 500 under its current ownership structure. However, McLaren Racing has a rich Indy 500 history dating back decades, with victories by Johnny Rutherford in 1974 and 1976. McLaren's return to the Indy 500 was famously marked by Fernando Alonso's attempt in 2017 and subsequent full-time IndyCar entries. The team continues to chase that elusive first modern-era Indy 500 victory.
Interesting Facts
- Sam Schmidt, co-owner of the team, was paralyzed from the shoulders down in a 2000 testing crash but has remained one of the most active team owners in IndyCar.
- McLaren Racing also competes in Formula 1, Formula E, and Extreme E, making Arrow McLaren part of one of the most diverse racing organizations in the world.
- Pato O'Ward has tested McLaren's Formula 1 car multiple times as part of the team's cross-series driver development program.
- The team's papaya orange livery connects it to McLaren's iconic F1 heritage and the original team colors chosen by founder Bruce McLaren.
- Fernando Alonso's failed attempt to qualify for the 2019 Indy 500 with a McLaren-affiliated entry - bumped by Juncos Hollinger Racing - remains one of the biggest upsets in qualifying history.