Arrow McLaren’s Competitive Surge in 2025
Arrow McLaren has shown significant improvement in the 2025 IndyCar Series, shifting from a rollercoaster performance to a consistent front-running presence. The team, led by drivers Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard, has transformed its qualifying fortunes and showcased strong race results throughout the season.
At the recent BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland, Lundgaard secured pole position in the No. 7 Chevy, with O’Ward closely behind, marking a front-row lockout for the team. O’Ward’s performance has been particularly impressive, achieving five consecutive top-five finishes, including two victories in July. Overall, he has recorded ten top-six finishes across 14 races this season, while Lundgaard has notched six.
O’Ward remarked on the team’s newfound competitiveness: “We’re breaking curses, as I like to call them. This track in the past has always been a big struggle.” He noted the impact of recent upgrades and the team’s determination to bridge the gap to dominant competitor Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, who has claimed eight victories and is nearing his fourth championship title.
O’Ward is set to start on pole in Sunday’s 110-lap race, benefiting from Lundgaard’s six-position grid penalty due to an unapproved engine change. The team’s ascent past traditional rivals like Team Penske and Andretti Global is a highlight of the 2025 season, underscoring a shift in the competitive landscape of IndyCar.
