Arrow McLaren recruits a former IndyCar champion for the Indianapolis 500

It has become a tradition at Arrow McLarenEach year, the Papayas enter a renowned driver in addition to their usual trio for the Indianapolis 500. The 2026 season will be no exception, with Ryan Hunter-Reay behind the wheel of the No. 31 Chevrolet. The 44-year-old American will team up with regular drivers Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard and will attempt to qualify for his 18th Indianapolis 500.

With 395 starts in 21 seasons, 18 wins, 47 podiums, one title (2012) and one victory at the Indy 500 (2014), Ryan Hunter-Reay enjoys a substantial record which allows him to be included in the lineage of illustrious freelancers hired by Arrow McLaren at Indianapolis.

The team led by Zak Brown fielded the two-time world champion F1 Fernando Alonso, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and former driver Williams in F1 Juan Pablo Montoya, as well as the 2013 Indy winner Tony Kanaan, and finally the two-time champion of the NASCAR Cup Series Kyle Larson.

« Ryan is an excellent addition to the Arrow McLaren team. IndyCar And that's exactly the driver we wanted in our fourth car next May, alongside Pato, Nolan and Christian. “,” rejoices Tony Kanaan, now the team principal. “IHe's the Indianapolis 500 champion – and if you look at our history at McLaren, that's why we're fielding a fourth car: to have an extra competitor in the race. He's a proven winner, and we know he has a strong chance of winning this historic event. Ryan is one of the best teammates I've ever had, and we're thrilled to start working with him and have him on our team until next May. »

In 2014, Hunter-Reay achieved a prestigious victory, winning by 0.6 seconds against Helio Castroneves, then a triple winner. He then won the overall in IMSA, notably winning the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

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