INDYCAR: Arrow McLaren Previews 2026 St. Petersburg Grand Prix
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES launches its season with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida, marking a familiar starting point for a new campaign. Arrow McLaren is poised to build on a record-setting season, entering the race with high expectations and a stable driver lineup.
Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard will once again represent the team, having completed testing at Phoenix Raceway on in preparation for the St. Petersburg street circuit. The team will be on track for practice on , leading up to the race.
The season saw Arrow McLaren emerge as a strong contender, finishing behind only Chip Ganassi Racing in the overall standings. O’Ward secured two victories – at Iowa Speedway and on the streets of Toronto – and consistently demonstrated strong performance, finishing second in the championship. Lundgaard enjoyed a breakout year, significantly increasing his podium finishes to six, a notable improvement considering the car’s previous performance history.
While Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou claimed the championship title, and Scott Dixon finished third, Arrow McLaren’s consistent performance highlighted their potential. O’Ward’s ten top-five finishes and twelve top-ten results underscored his reliability, while Lundgaard’s six podiums demonstrated a clear upward trajectory. Siegel, in his rookie season, showed promise despite a challenging year, doubling his career top-ten finishes and gaining valuable experience.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to racing and kicking off the season this weekend in St. Pete,” said O’Ward. “It’s always a great atmosphere down there, and it’s a place where we’ve had success in the past. We had a really strong year in , but the offseason has been all about preparing to take that next step in . That mission starts this weekend.”
The St. Petersburg circuit presents a unique challenge for drivers, with its length, fourteen turns, and a total race distance of or . The 100-lap race demands precision and strategic tire management as drivers navigate the tight street course.
Nolan Siegel, entering his second season, is focused on building upon his initial experience. “It’s been a busy offseason of training for me,” he stated, hinting at a dedicated preparation period aimed at improving his performance and consistency.
Arrow McLaren’s decision to retain its full driver lineup for demonstrates a commitment to stability and continued development. This approach, shared by Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Ed Carpenter Racing, suggests a belief in the existing team dynamics and the potential for further growth.
The team has also undergone personnel changes during the offseason, though specific details were not provided. These adjustments likely reflect a strategic effort to optimize performance and address areas for improvement identified during the season.
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg marks the beginning of an season for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The race will be broadcast on FOX, FOX One, and FOX Deportes, providing extensive coverage for fans across the country. The event also serves as a crucial opportunity for teams to gauge their performance and establish a foundation for the championship battle ahead.
For Arrow McLaren, the focus is clear: to capitalize on the momentum from and challenge for the championship title in . The season opener in St. Petersburg will be a critical test of their preparation and a statement of intent for the year to come.