Pato O’Ward and Arrow McLaren Aim for Strong Start at St. Petersburg Grand Prix

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season kicks off this weekend with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida. Arrow McLaren returns its driver lineup of Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard, hoping to build on a successful 2025 season. The team will participate in practice on Friday, February 27, before the race on Sunday, March 1.

Season Opener Details

• Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Race Date: March 1
• Round: 1 of 18
• Total Laps: 100
• Total Race Distance: 180 miles / 289.68 km
• Track Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km
• Number of Turns: 14

O’Ward’s Momentum

Pato O’Ward enters his ninth NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and sixth year with Arrow McLaren, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet. He finished second in the 2025 standings, achieving six podium finishes and securing wins at Iowa and Toronto IndyCar.com. The 26-year-old driver is considered a top contender for both the Indianapolis 500 victory and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship McLaren.com. O’Ward also serves as a Formula 1 reserve driver for McLaren.

Arrow McLaren’s Chevrolet Partnership

Arrow McLaren has a long-standing relationship with Chevrolet, beginning in 2020. The team has accumulated 9 wins with Chevrolet since then, ranking fourth all-time and second since 2012 Speedway Digest. Pato O’Ward has made 98 Chevrolet-powered starts for Arrow McLaren, more than any other driver. In 2025, Arrow McLaren drivers accounted for 55.9% of Chevrolet’s manufacturer points, scoring 609 points.

Recent Successes

O’Ward’s recent performance includes a strategic win at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto in July 2025 Motorsport.com. He timed his pit stops effectively to claim the victory, following a win at Iowa Speedway.

Looking Ahead

With a strong driver lineup and a continued partnership with Chevrolet, Arrow McLaren aims to start the 2026 season on a high note at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The team’s new, expanded facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, will support their efforts throughout the season.