During the 109th Indianapolis 500 on May 25, Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin crashed during his warmup lap, eliminating him from the race before it even began. The event sparked a lighthearted jab from 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, who took to social media to tease McLaughlin after the incident, fueling online banter between the racing competitors.
Wallace’s taunt followed a brief exchange between the two drivers on X. On Wednesday, May 28, the pair held a friendly race, which Wallace later mentioned in a tweet. The interaction gained attention as it highlighted the rival yet friendly spirit among racers, with Wallace using the opportunity to poke fun at McLaughlin’s misfortune, thereby drawing the motorsport community and fans into their exchange.
Bubba Wallace’s Cheeky Remark After Indy 500 Crash
The storyline began when Bubba Wallace acknowledged a recent outing with Scott McLaughlin on social media, prompting McLaughlin to respond to Wallace’s post by noting, “Racers racing.” In response, Wallace delivered a tongue-in-cheek remark referencing McLaughlin’s difficult Indianapolis 500 outing:
“Just proud to see you complete..laps👊🏾🙃”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver
This playful comment underscored Wallace’s awareness of the pressure and unpredictability that comes with racing in elite competitions. The reference to McLaughlin finally completing some laps added an extra sting, as McLaughlin’s race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended before he could finish even a single lap on race day.
Scott McLaughlin, who pilots the #3 Team Penske Chevrolet, faced multiple challenges throughout the Indy 500 weekend. Although he crashed during qualifying earlier in the event, he managed to secure a 10th-place finish in qualifying, outperforming his fellow Team Penske drivers. However, the race itself proved disappointing as McLaughlin crashed just before the start, ultimately being classified in 30th place.
Post-Qualifying Drama for Team Penske and McLaughlin
The drama around Team Penske extended to the team’s post-qualifying setback, where illegal modifications found on cars #2 and #12 resulted in those drivers, Josef Newgarden and Will Power, being relegated to the back of the grid. As the highest qualifier for Penske, McLaughlin found himself in the spotlight—not just for his qualifying performance, but for how he addressed the situation involving his teammates.
Reflecting on the incident, McLaughlin pointed out his determination to keep his focus on his own race, despite the challenges faced by his fellow Penske drivers:
“I’m not taking for granted. It’s going to be a tough race, regardless. I know we have fast cars. Everyone feels that way, as well. I don’t know. For me, I’m not worried about their race. I’m focused on my own. But we know what we need to do to sort of keep ourselves in the game.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Driver
He further emphasized his individual ambitions and learning curve during the month:
“I’ve said it all month. It’s been so nice to be able to come into a month where I was up the front a little further than I had been in my career. I understand the cadence a little bit more, you could say. But yeah, not really focused on what they’re doing. I’m just focused on myself.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Driver
This candid perspective illustrated the balance between camaraderie and individual competition among Team Penske racers, also highlighting McLaughlin’s growth through the adversity faced by the team during one of motorsport’s most challenging events.
McLaughlin’s Season Progress and Next Steps
Despite the letdown at Indianapolis, McLaughlin’s 2025 campaign showed promise in earlier rounds. At the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, he earned pole position and ultimately finished fourth. Consistent performances followed, with a sixth-place finish at the ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13 and a repeat fourth-place result at the Sonsio Grand Prix on May 10.
Currently, McLaughlin sits in seventh place in the drivers’ championship with 145 points. With the Detroit Grand Prix scheduled for June 1, McLaughlin will look to bounce back and capitalize on the resilience he’s demonstrated throughout the season.
The recent social media interaction and competitive tension between Bubba Wallace and Scott McLaughlin, especially after the Indianapolis 500 drama, underscore both the intense rivalries and the camaraderie that define motorsport, keeping fans eager to watch what unfolds in the next round of the championship.
