Arrow McLaren has demonstrated a significant turnaround in performance during the 2025 IndyCar season, shaking off the unpredictable nature of their 2024 campaign. The previous season saw the team struggle with inconsistent qualifying results, often forcing them to navigate challenging starts from the back of the field. However, this year, the team has found its footing with a consistent front-running presence in qualifying.
Christian Lundgaard made headlines by capturing pole position at the BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland in his No. 7 Chevy, joining teammate Pato O’Ward, who completed a front-row lockout. O’Ward is enjoying a stellar season, with five consecutive top-five finishes, including two wins in July, and boasting ten top-six finishes out of 14 races.
“We’re breaking curses, as I like to call them,” O’Ward remarked, reflecting on the team’s newfound competitiveness. He noted how McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown attended a race win in person last month, signifying a positive shift for the team. O’Ward credits the team’s ongoing upgrades and the hard work put in by the crew for enhancing their performance and closing the gap with the leading competitors.
The dynamic duo of O’Ward and Lundgaard, along with rookie Nolan Siegel, have propelled Arrow McLaren ahead of traditional rivals like Team Penske and Andretti Global. Despite this impressive resurgence, the team still trails behind Chip Ganassi Racing, driven by Alex Palou, who is having a standout season with eight wins and on track for his fourth championship.
As O’Ward prepares to start at the front for the upcoming race, he acknowledges the support from his team and expresses optimistic sentiments regarding their trajectory in the series. The season is shaping up to be a noteworthy one for Arrow McLaren, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to excellence in the highly competitive IndyCar landscape.