Arrow McLaren IndyCar announced Ryan Hunter-Reay as the team’s fourth car for the 2026 running of the Indianapolis 500 — the 2014 Indy 500 winner will operate the No.31 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet alongside drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard.
Hunter-Reay, who last competed at the Indy 500 in 2025, made an impressive lunge from 24th to the lead before a late-race fuel issue; the former 500 winner spoke to Pit Debrief and other media outlets about the new opportunity — one he describes as “massive” and “a natural fit.”
“One of the best teams in Indy”
Hunter-Reay seemed excited to return to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and credited Arrow McLaren for being on a whole new level of success in the last few years, calling them “one of the best teams at Indy.”
“It’s huge. It’s massive, the atmosphere within this place — where this team currently is, the trajectory they’ve been on… Arrow McLaren has been one of the best teams at Indy the past few years.”
Furthermore, he praised the people who are pulling the team toward an upward trajectory, celebrating Arrow McLaren’s strength across IndyCar road courses and street circuits.
“Everything is kind of hitting its stride here, and that’s huge credit to Tony, Kyle, everybody shaping this into a major powerhouse.”
Feeling at home
The Floridian felt extra special returning to the team, thanks to all the familiar faces he had bonded with over the last couple of years, which made the transition seamless. He also shared his dynamic with his good friend and now boss, Tony Kanaan.
“The moment I walked in the door, so many familiar faces I’ve worked with forever. Somehow Tony is my boss now — he’s been bossing me around for two days straight.“
Hunter-Reay said he felt “at home immediately,” a quality he believes will support his performance as the month of May rolls around.
Playing a part in helping the IndyCar team grow
The #31 driver provided a broader look into what his goals are during his tenure with the team aside from another shot at winning the 500, and it was pretty simple: maximize potential and help elevate the program.
“My goal is to operate at my maximum potential, and this environment is what comes naturally to me.”
Hunter-Reay remained highly optimistic, with his vision clearly on the bigger picture for May, which was straightforward: “to win,” spotlighting that he wants to be a driving force for the team throughout the entire process.
“We’re here because we want to win. That’s it. We’re not here to qualify. We’re not here to participate. Eyes on the prize.”
Another seasoned veteran to the list
Arrow McLaren has always maintained a stellar reputation for having some of the most prolific drivers in the fourth seat for the Indy 500 — drivers like F1 Champion Fernando Alonso, former F1 and IndyCar driver Juan Pablo Montoya, 2013 Indy 500 Champion Tony Kanaan, and NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson have all represented the team during the event.
Hunter-Reay recognized the history, but said he’s focused on executing rather than comparing himself to predecessors.
“It’s a huge honor to represent Arrow McLaren. It’s one of the most iconic racing teams in history. But I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as: I fit into this position, and I need to apply myself.”
He reiterated his confidence in the team’s collective strength:
“The building is loaded with talent management, engineering, crew, all of it. When I put the visor down, that comes naturally. I can’t wait to get started.”
Ryan Hunter-Reay’s participation gives Arrow McLaren a veteran with deep Indianapolis experience and a track record of performing under pressure — it’s another chance to chase a second Borg-Warner Trophy, and this time with full preparation: a strong team, a familiar environment, and another strong contender added to the 110th running of the event.
