Race and classic pictures

McLaren unleash its IndyCar trio of 2026 contenders

Arrow McLaren has pulled the covers off its 2026 NTT IndyCar Series trio, unveiling all three full-time contenders inside its brand-new Indianapolis race shop – and the orange army looks sharper than ever.

The liveries keep the familiar McLaren DNA but with subtle twists: Pato O’Ward’s #5 now drenched in papaya flowing from nose to cockpit, Nolan Siegel’s #6 sticking with its sleek blue-and-orange blend, and Christian Lundgaard’s #7 once again the boldest splash of papaya on the grid, even lighting up the rollhoop.

Black still frames the designs, but the orange tide is clearly rising. Backing the visual punch, Arrow, VELO, and NTT Data remain locked in as headline sponsors, their logos stamped across wings and sidepods like badges of continuity.

Same trio, same ambition – just louder, brighter, and ready to charge into a new IndyCar campaign.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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