If Kyle Larson returns to the Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports in 2025, he will have several new teammates. Kyle Larson entered May 2024 looking to become just the fifth driver to complete the Memorial Day Double. His goal was to compete in IndyCar’s Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before flying to Charlotte Motor Speedway to compete in NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600.
Larson eventually competed in the Indy 500, though a rain delay delayed Indy’s finish in Charlotte and when he got there, that race was also stopped due to rain. He was unable to restart, making Larson only the second driver to see a Memorial Day double attempt end with an appearance in only one of the two crown jewel races.
The 2021 Cup Series champion has not yet committed to returning to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2025, but has reportedly struck a deal to do so with Arrow McLaren, as the deal signed in January 2023 would be for two years. If he really were to return for another test at the wheel of the #2 McLaren-Hendrick Chevrolet. 17, he ironically would return as the second tallest member of the four-car team.
Arrow McLaren confirm (another) driver change
Nolan Siegel recently took the wheel of the No. 6 after Theo Pourchaire finished the season in the car, signing a multi-year contract. Now, another driver change has been confirmed for the No. 7. After just two seasons with the team, 2016 Indy 500 champion Alexander Rossi will be replaced next year by current Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Christian Lundgaard. Rossi finished fifth in last year’s Indy 500, and finished fourth in this year’s race after qualifying in the same position, the highest starting position of any non-Team Penske driver. His team for 2025 has not yet been confirmed, nor has Lundgaard’s replacement at the wheel of the No. 45.
The only driver expected to return to Arrow McLaren next season (aside from Larson) is Pato O’Ward, who has driven the No. 5 Chevrolet since 2020. Callum Ilott drove the No. 6 Chevrolet in this year’s Indy 500. year, replacing the injured (and ultimately fired) David Malukas. Larson finished this year’s Indy 500 in 18th place after receiving a penalty for speeding on pit road. O’Ward finished second and Ilott eleventh.
