Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has outlined the Kyle Larson Indy 500 replacement criteria for Arrow McLaren’s fourth car in 2026, following Larson’s two-year attempt at conquering “The Double” with the team. Brown’s comments come after consecutive years marked by weather disruptions and disappointment for Larson, reshaping the team’s approach for the next Indy 500 entry.
Weather-Impacted Attempts and Larson’s Departure From The Double
NASCAR star Kyle Larson challenged himself both in 2023 and 2024 by aiming to complete the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in a single day, a demanding feat known as “The Double.” In 2024, severe storms delayed the 108th running of the iconic Indianapolis race by four hours. Larson stayed to finish the event before flying to Charlotte, but persistent rain followed, halting the Coca-Cola 600 shortly after it began. As a result, Larson missed the chance to turn a single lap in the NASCAR event, as it was eventually called off due to the adverse weather.
The 2025 effort brought no better luck. The Indy 500 began after a 45-minute delay on account of rain, but Larson’s campaign ended early when his No. 17 Arrow McLaren chevrolet/”>Chevrolet spun out and crashed during a restart on lap 92. His troubles continued in Charlotte, where he was involved in another crash, cutting short his participation in the NASCAR race.
Following these setbacks, Larson announced he would no longer attempt The Double, putting his participation in future Indy 500s on indefinite hold. In response, McLaren is now searching for a driver to fill his seat as part of their expanding lineup.
Zak Brown Details McLaren’s Standards for New Driver Selection
Addressing the next phase for Arrow McLaren, Zak Brown traced the team’s vision in a recent interview with David Land, detailing what they seek in future candidates for their fourth Indy 500 entry. Brown emphasized that the team wants a highly competitive and captivating signing and clarified that excitement and the potential for victory are central to their decision.
“Something that’s exciting. A driver that can win the race. Even if it’s a rookie and maybe can’t win their first year, like Kyle. But I’ll tell you what. I think Kyle would’ve had a shot in his first year, Fernando (Alonso) in his very first year had a shot. So it needs to be an exciting entry,”
he said [5:15 onwards]. —Zak Brown, CEO
Brown further specified that adding a fourth entry must offer both technical and commercial value, rather than simply filling a grid spot. The fan base, he added, is also a key aspect of their consideration.
“We don’t want to put a fourth car just to put out a fourth car. We need to put out a fourth car ‘cuz it adds technically to the other three cars, commercially it’s exciting, and it’s something the fans get excited about. So we’ll only put out a fourth car if it fits that criteria.”
—Zak Brown, CEO
This measured approach illustrates McLaren’s commitment to maintaining high standards in their pursuit of Indy 500 success and underlines the prestige they attach to Arrow McLaren’s presence at the event.
Recent Performance Highlights and Team Achievements
Despite Larson’s difficulties, Arrow McLaren continued to demonstrate competitive strength at Indianapolis. Alex Palou secured victory at the 109th Indy 500 on May 25, while Pato O’Ward achieved the team’s best result with a podium finish in third. These performances solidify Arrow McLaren’s reputation as a consistent and formidable contender at the Speedway.
Speculation on Will Power’s Future and McLaren’s 2026 Lineup Plans
Discussions around potential new signings intensified in light of two-time IndyCar champion Will Power’s contract situation with Team Penske. Power enters the final year of his contract, with owner Roger Penske pushing talks to later in the season, leaving his availability open to speculation. In recent media interactions, including a conversation with Bob Pockrass, Zak Brown addressed rumors linking McLaren to Power.
“Chatted with Zak Brown here in Toronto. He reiterated he is happy with his drivers in INDYCAR and is not making a run at Will Power. He said he will have same driver lineup next year.”
—Bob Pockrass, Reporter
Brown’s confidence in the current roster — Christian Lundgaard, Pato O’Ward, and Nolan Siegel — was evident, as he reaffirmed the team’s intention to retain its trio for the 2026 season. These drivers, all young talents, represent the continued strategy to build around a cohesive and ambitious lineup as Arrow McLaren eyes future victories in both the IndyCar series and the Indianapolis 500.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Indy 500 and Beyond
With Kyle Larson stepping back from The Double, Arrow McLaren’s search for a replacement is now focused on drivers who embody skill, excitement, and the ability to make a winning impact. The outlined Kyle Larson Indy 500 replacement criteria highlight the team’s dedication to competitive excellence and their desire to add value both technically and commercially. As the countdown to the next Indy 500 begins, all eyes are on Arrow McLaren to see which highly regarded driver will take on the challenge of spearheading the storied fourth entry in 2026.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not be able to defeat Verstappen in Formula 1, but he is more adaptable than anyone else in the world. Bianchi believes Larson deserves recognition because his achievements cover many different racing categories. He is successfully racing and winning in several types of vehicles.
