Pato O’Ward enters the 2025 Indy 500 not just as a contender but as a fan favorite. His passion, grit, and speed have made him one of the most exciting talents in IndyCar
Whether he crosses the finish line first remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: O’Ward is ready to fight for everything.
From heartbreak to hope, from third on the grid to potentially first across the line—the 2025 Indy 500 could finally be the moment O’Ward cements his legacy.
As the team prepares for the 500-mile challenge at the iconic Brickyard, the ultimate goal remains clear: winning the Indianapolis 500.
For Zak Brown, a victory here would be another milestone in his remarkable tenure, further validating the investment and effort poured into McLaren’s North American racing division.
With a strong qualifying performance behind them and momentum on their side, Arrow McLaren is poised to make noise come race day. Whether it’s O’Ward taking the checkered flag or a surprise surge from deeper in the field, one thing is certain: this team is ready to make history.
Also Read: Martina Sablikova’s Relationship Status Exposed – Marriage Bells or Just Dating?
Table of Contents
Zak Brown’s Message of Support
Following the conclusion of qualifying, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown took to social media to celebrate O’Ward’s performance.1
On X (formerly Twitter), Brown posted a motivational message:
“We’ve got the best view in P3 to bring the field to green next Sunday. Mega laps from Pato for a four-lap average of 232.098 mph, powered by @TeamChevy and a full @ArrowMcLaren team effort for the 5 car to secure a front row position for the Indianapolis 500. Now let’s go finish the job 👊”
The post highlights the team’s collective pride in O’Ward’s efforts and reflects their determined mindset heading into race day.
Brown, a vocal and passionate leader, has always been quick to praise his drivers and crew, and his comments reaffirm McLaren’s united front.
Sunday can’t come soon enough, where we’re set for 500 miles and a chance to make history again @IMS.
Rolling off at the Indy 500 will be Pato on the front row in P3, Christian in P8, Kyle in P21 and Nolan in P26.
Time to focus and stay locked in! pic.twitter.com/Ez6Bcie7bU
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) May 19, 2025
Mixed Results for Arrow McLaren
While O’Ward’s front-row start was a major success for the team, not all Arrow McLaren drivers enjoyed the same fortune.
Christian Lundgaard was the only other team driver to reach the Top 12 qualifying group, showing flashes of speed and promise. However, Kyle Larson and Nolan Siegel struggled to find competitive pace, qualifying outside the Top 20.
Larson, balancing his IndyCar commitments with a packed NASCAR schedule, faced setup issues that limited his performance.
Meanwhile, rookie Siegel continues to gain experience, and although he showed moments of potential, the raw speed wasn’t there in qualifying.
Zak Brown: The Power of Team Chevy
One of the unsung heroes of O’Ward’s qualifying success has been Chevrolet’s power unit.2
Over the years, the Indy 500 has witnessed fierce competition between engine manufacturers, and in 2025, Chevy-powered cars have looked particularly strong. O’Ward’s speed—alongside Shwartzman’s pole run—highlights how Chevy has delivered both performance and reliability in the lead-up to the biggest race of the year.
Chevrolet’s engineers and support crew have worked closely with Arrow McLaren to fine-tune the #5 car for maximum efficiency and power.
Their efforts could play a decisive role in Sunday’s race, especially on the long straights where horsepower matters most.
Strategic Advantage of a Front Row Start
Starting from the front row in the Indy 500 offers more than just bragging rights. It places a driver in clean air at the beginning of the race and avoids the potential chaos and traffic of the midfield.
With over 30 drivers on the grid, avoiding trouble in the early laps is often crucial to staying in contention.
For O’Ward, P3 provides an opportunity to immediately challenge Shwartzman and Sato into Turn 1.
If he can get off the line cleanly and slot into a good rhythm early, the chances of leading laps and controlling the race tempo improve significantly.
Rivalries to Watch on Race Day
While O’Ward will start ahead of some key rivals, he will still have to contend with a number of threats.
Josef Newgarden, last year’s winner, remains a major contender despite not making the Fast 6. His experience and racecraft around Indianapolis are second to none.
Takuma Sato, a two-time Indy 500 winner, has shown again why he thrives at the Brickyard. The Japanese veteran knows how to handle the pressure and will not shy away from battle.
Then there’s the wildcard: Robert Shwartzman. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the rookie will be racing with a fearless attitude—something that could either lead to brilliance or chaos.
Can Pato O’Ward Finally Win the Big One?
After years of consistent performances and heartbreaks at Indy, the question now becomes: Can Pato O’Ward finally win the big one?
He certainly has all the ingredients—a fast car, a front-row start, experienced race engineers, and the full backing of McLaren’s leadership. His mental resilience, sharpened by last year’s bitter ending, could prove to be his greatest asset.
O’Ward has matured into a complete driver, capable of managing tire wear, executing pit strategies, and pulling off bold overtakes when necessary. His racecraft, especially in high-pressure moments, will be under the spotlight.
Also Read: Exploring Zak Zinter’s: Parents, Siblings Paul And Tiffany Zinter, Career Journet And Fiancée Amanda
Zak Brown Applauds Arrow McLaren’s Indy 500 Qualifying Brilliance
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown had every reason to celebrate after the 2024 Indy 500 qualifying session, as the Arrow McLaren team delivered a strong collective performance that showcased depth, determination, and undeniable speed.3
With four entries on the grid, the team managed to place all cars in the top 30 — an impressive feat considering the scale and pressure of the legendary event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
A Full Roster of Talent on Display
For the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, Arrow McLaren fielded four cars.
Their primary driver, Pato O’Ward, was joined by Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel, with a guest appearance from NASCAR Cup Series standout Kyle Larson, who attempted “The Double” — racing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
O’Ward, who has continued to emerge as one of the faces of IndyCar, shone brightest in qualifying.
His blistering pace earned him a front-row start in P3, narrowly missing out on pole.
Christian Lundgaard impressed with a P8 start, while Larson held steady in P21 — a strong showing for his first ever IndyCar oval race. Rookie Nolan Siegel rounded out the McLaren pack in P26.
Zak Brown’s Message of Unity and Focus
Taking to social media after the results were confirmed, Zak Brown expressed admiration and pride for the Arrow McLaren team.
“Sunday can’t come soon enough,” he wrote, referencing the much-anticipated May 25 race. “We’re set for 500 miles and a chance to make history again @IMS.”
Brown’s post was more than just a morale booster — it reflected the unity, preparation, and belief within the team.
By naming all four drivers and their starting positions, Brown ensured that every driver, from frontrunner O’Ward to rookie Siegel, received recognition.
Leading the Charge from Row One
The Mexican star has become a consistent threat in IndyCar, and his P3 starting position at Indy is a testament to both his skill and McLaren’s progress.
O’Ward’s front-row qualification underlined his growing stature in the sport, as he looks to improve on his best Indy 500 finish of second place in 2022.
O’Ward’s qualifying average of 233.7 mph sent a strong message to his rivals.
In a race where starting position can be critical, especially amid chaotic restarts and pit strategies, his placement on the front row gives him a serious shot at contending for victory.
View this post on Instagram
Quietly Confident in Row Three
Christian Lundgaard continues to build a reputation as one of IndyCar’s most consistent young talents.
While not as flashy as some of his peers, the Danish driver’s P8 starting position was one of the most quietly impressive results of the qualifying weekend.
Lundgaard has shown solid adaptability to oval tracks — traditionally challenging for rookies and road-course specialists alike.
With a top-10 start at Indy, he’s in a prime position to work his way into the lead group and potentially pull off an upset.
Bridging Two Racing Worlds
- Arguably the most talked-about name in this year’s Indy 500 field, Kyle Larson brings star power from NASCAR and has taken on one of motorsport’s most ambitious challenges: “The Double.”
- Attempting both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is a rare feat that only a few elite drivers have even attempted.
- Larson qualified 21st, which, while not eye-popping, is impressive for someone making their debut in an open-wheel car on such a demanding circuit.
- His versatility, racecraft, and sheer competitive drive will make him a must-watch on race day. Zak Brown and the Arrow McLaren team have supported his journey with professionalism and confidence, knowing that Larson’s participation elevates the profile of the entire team.
- At just 19 years old, Nolan Siegel is one of the youngest drivers in the Indy 500 field. Making his debut in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is a landmark moment in his blossoming career.
- His P26 qualifying result might not grab headlines, but for a driver learning the ropes at this level, it’s a valuable starting point.
- Brown’s public acknowledgment of Siegel’s effort speaks volumes. Rather than downplaying the rookie’s role, Brown ensured that Siegel’s presence was celebrated equally.
- It’s a sign of a culture that prioritizes growth, patience, and support — vital traits for long-term success.
Zak Brown’s Vision Paying Off
When Zak Brown became McLaren CEO, few could have predicted the brand’s rebirth in the world of American open-wheel racing.
Yet through his commitment to building a world-class IndyCar program, Brown has slowly turned Arrow McLaren into a legitimate threat at the 500.
Brown’s leadership style — a mix of sharp business acumen and racer’s instinct — has attracted top talent to the program and created a performance-driven culture.
His presence throughout the Month of May was both symbolic and practical, offering guidance while empowering those around him to do their jobs.
Momentum Building for Race Day
With four entries spread throughout the grid, Arrow McLaren has a variety of race strategies at its disposal.
O’Ward will be fighting near the front, Lundgaard can benefit from cleaner air in the top 10, Larson has the freedom to gamble mid-pack, and Siegel can work his way up with a steady approach.
The team will need to remain focused and flexible, especially when it comes to pit stops, yellow flags, and fuel strategy.
Brown’s message of “Time to focus and stay locked in” resonates strongly here — in a race as unpredictable as the Indy 500, staying sharp is everything.
Arrow McLaren’s Broader Impact
Beyond pure results, Arrow McLaren’s four-car effort has helped grow fan interest and media attention for the sport.
With a crossover star like Larson, a front-row qualifier like O’Ward, a rising European talent in Lundgaard, and a promising American rookie in Siegel, the team represents the global and generational appeal of IndyCar.
Brown’s strategic approach has turned Arrow McLaren into more than just a race team — it’s a brand ambassador for the sport, pushing boundaries and reaching new audiences.
Also Read: Arrow McLaren’s Big Change: Gavin Ward Departure After a Strong 2024 IndyCar Season
