Hinchcliffe dismissed, O'Ward and Askew arrive at McLaren SP

New entity created by the association between McLaren and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, McLaren SP confirmed this Thursday that the Canadian James hinchcliffe will not drive one of the two single-seaters lined up in IndyCar Series in 2020.

The Oakville native, who arrived at SPM in 2015 after starting at Newman/Haas and Andretti, won three victories for Sam Schmidt's team and took pole for the 500 Indianapolis 2016, before missing his qualification two years later.

Author of only one podium (3rd) in Iowa this season, Hinchcliffe will no longer drive for McLaren SP in IndyCar in 2020 but remains under contract with McLaren SP.

“We recognize that James is an extremely motivated and determined competitor, and we will not hesitate to release him unconditionally for another seat, whether in IndyCar or another series. » underlines Sam Schmidt.

New tandem in 2020

McLaren SP was quick to confirm the replacements for Hinchcliffe and Marcus Ericsson (who left for Ganassi), with the arrivals of Patricio O'Ward and Oliver Askew. O'Ward has multiplied his experiences this year between IndyCar with Carlin, Super Formula with Team Mugen and the FIA F2 at MP Motorsport.

The Mexican thus secures a complete program for 2020, after having been supported for a time by Red Bull.

After being seen testing at Ganassi during the season, Oliver Askew finally landed at McLaren SP in the wake of his Indy Lights coronation with Andretti Autosport, thus succeeding... Patricio O'Ward on the list of winners.

“It’s a dream come true to join Arrow McLaren SP for my first year in IndyCar, Askew says. The new team brings together three great partners and it is an honor to represent them in this new chapter for the team and for my career.

It’s an exciting new challenge for me and the natural next step after winning the Indy Lights title this year. » A promising duo that could spark in 2020 in the IndyCar Series.