At this year’s Indy 500 Open Test, Scott McLaughlin has taken an unusual approach: he’s back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the exact same car that delivered him the 2024 Indy 500 pole position — and it hasn’t touched a racetrack since that day.
“Same car. Exactly same car. Hasn’t touched a piece of tarmac since May here.” – Scott McLaughlin
In an era where constant updates and innovations are the norm, McLaughlin’s decision to stick with a proven machine speaks volumes about his confidence in his setup and the preparations by Team Penske.
A Familiar Ride in a New Hybrid Era
Even though the car itself remains unchanged, the 2025 IndyCar season brings a significant twist: the new hybrid system and additional weight added to the cars. That means McLaughlin — like everyone else — is navigating a different handling experience compared to last year.
Despite the changes, he feels positive about how the car adapted to the heavier, hybrid-integrated setup during the Open Test:
“The car is certainly different with the extra weight and whatnot. […] It’s different. It’s fine, fun to get used to and understand it.” – Scott McLaughlin
With added weight comes different tire degradation and new demands on driver endurance — particularly when it comes to qualifying, where precision will be more important than ever.
The Advantage of Continuity
While many teams and drivers reported struggling to adapt setups from 2024 to 2025, McLaughlin’s team benefitted from their choice to return with a familiar platform. Starting with a car already dialed into IMS characteristics gave him a head start on refining the adjustments needed for hybrid-era racing:
“For me as a driver, getting out and up to speed, understanding all this other stuff that comes with it… having that opportunity to come here with a similar car and get going has been good.” – Scott McLaughlin
With a solid foundation and a car that already feels “right,” McLaughlin is focused on fine-tuning rather than reinventing his setup — a huge advantage as the high-pressure Month of May ramps up.
Confidence Going Forward
After a strong showing in testing — despite a chaotic high-boost session full of traffic and unexpected incidents — McLaughlin sounds confident and ready for May:
“I think we’re in a really good spot.” – Scott McLaughlin
With race week looming and momentum from a successful Open Test, Scott McLaughlin might just be poised for another headline-making performance at the Brickyard — and perhaps even another pole run or a shot at drinking the milk in Victory Lane.
Philipp Kraus / Media Credit – Penske Entertainment: James Black
