Arrow McLaren SP unveiled the team’s 2022 driver lineup and liveries Feb. 11 to a live global audience ahead of this year’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
The unveil took place during a joint global launch of all McLaren Racing efforts in 2022, in Formula One, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Extreme E and esports.
Pato O’Ward once again will drive the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, and Felix Rosenqvist will take the wheel of the No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet.
O’Ward, 22, from Mexico, enters his third full-time season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren SP, following a breakout season in 2021 in which he scored his first two race wins, at Texas Motor Speedway and Belle Isle in Detroit. He finished third in the championship standings.
“Every year, Arrow McLaren SP and I keep raising the bar for ourselves, and I plan it to be no different in 2022,” O’Ward said. “We have another shot at the Indianapolis 500 this year and plan to be in the fight for the championship from the start.
“I don’t have any expectation that this year will be easy. Bring it on and let’s see what we can do. I will be giving it absolutely everything in and out of the car so we can make the best out of 2022.”
Rosenqvist, 30, from Sweden, returns for his second season with the team after a debut year featuring numerous ups and downs. He ended up 21st in the standings after missing two races due to injury.
“Going into 2022, there is a different side of me that is very driven and ready to get started,” Rosenqvist said. “I’m definitely looking for some redemption after last year, which is the best motivator. There are plenty of reasons for Arrow McLaren SP to be excited, given where we were last year to where we are now. This team is constantly changing and looking to get better, especially with the integration of McLaren, which helps us take steps forward every day.”
The team gave a first glimpse of its Chevrolet-powered entries today, with both cars featuring the exciting new Fluro Papaya and blue colors featured across McLaren Racing cars in INDYCAR, Formula One and Extreme E.
O’Ward’s No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet continues to feature the branding of team title-partner Arrow Electronics, with the popular black-and-papaya color scheme, including splashes of blue throughout the car.
Rosenqvist’s No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet continues to be backed by Vuse, marking its third year in partnership with the team. The No. 7 features an eye-popping blue-and-papaya livery, with hints of black.
“We have a talented driver lineup returning with Pato and Felix, who have formed a great bond both on and off the track,” AMSP President Taylor Kiel said. “The team has put a great amount of focus into ensuring that we have two cars that can compete at the front of the field next year. We need both drivers challenging for wins if we want to take that next step toward becoming one of the elite teams in INDYCAR.”
The 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, Feb. 27 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Live coverage will start at noon (ET) on NBC, Telemundo and INDYCAR Radio.
