Pato O’Ward Defends Scott Dixon as Arrow McLaren’s 2027 Teammate

O’Ward’s Fiery Response at Milwaukee

During an NTT IndyCar Series test at the Milwaukee Mile on July 8, Pato O’Ward spoke publicly for the first time since the 2027 lineup was announced. He expressed shock at the “disrespect” he sees directed toward Scott Dixon, especially the criticism of hiring a 46‑year‑old veteran in Arrow McLaren’s future plans. “For people to talk down somebody like that really is a shame,” O’Ward declared, emphasizing that such negativity erases the decency of what athletes go through. He added that while he welcomes any critique aimed at him, mocking a legend like Dixon feels unwarranted.

O’Ward also revealed his long‑standing admiration for Dixon, recalling that he was barely three years old when Dixon debuted with Chip Ganassi Racing at Milwaukee in 2002. The Mexican driver described learning from Dixon as “one of the luckiest positions anybody in racing can have,” noting that the six‑time champion embodies the true spirit of a champion both on and off the track. He hopes the new partnership leads Dixon to a successful championship run, believing the veteran still deserves many victories as a person and as a driver.

Dixon’s Hall‑of‑Fame Credentials vs Recent Performance

Scott Dixon arrives with a résumé that places him near the top of IndyCar history: six championships and 59 career wins, second on the all‑time list, eight behind A.J. Foyt. Fifty‑eight of those triumphs—including the 2008 Indianapolis 500—came over 25 seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he has been since 2002. However, since the start of the 2024 season Dixon has managed only three victories, while teammate Alex Palou has collected 16 wins and four of the last five titles, with Palou currently leading the standings after 11 of 18 races.

Despite the recent dip, Dixon’s experience and development expertise are precisely what Arrow McLaren needs ahead of the 2028 car debut. Veteran drivers often serve as crucial mentors for younger teammates, and Dixon’s track record of adapting to new teams—including his move to Arrow McLaren—adds intrigue to the franchise’s rebuilding narrative.

Arrow McLaren’s Bold New Lineup

On July 6 the team announced it would not retain Christian Lundgaard, a two‑time winner this season who sits third in the points, nor Nolan Siegel. Instead, Arrow McLaren will pair O’Ward with Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist for 2027. Team principal Tony Kanaan highlighted the decision as a bet on drivers with a “good chance to win Indy” next year, while Rosenqvist described the move as a “long play.” The signing underscores a strategic shift toward blending youthful talent with seasoned championship pedigree.

The timing aligns with IndyCar’s upcoming development cycle. A brand‑new car is slated for 2028, and both Dixon and Rosenqvist have reputation as drivers who can provide valuable feedback during testing phases. Additionally, McLaren’s push toward the World Endurance Championship in 2027 could open doors for an IndyCar driver to compete at Le Mans, should schedules align.

Felix Rosenqvist’s Fresh Start

Felix Rosenqvist, 34, brings a varied background to Arrow McLaren: he debuted in IndyCar with Ganassi in 2019, earning one win over two seasons, then spent three years with McLaren before landing at Meyer Shank Racing. In 2025 he posted a career‑best sixth‑place championship finish and captured the 2026 Indianapolis 500. Rosenqvist recently welcomed his first child, had his wisdom teeth removed, and is still processing the “awkward” transition after a brief hiatus from racing.

His immediate goal is to add more victories with Meyer Shank before the move, and he is eager to see the 2027 McLaren lineup in action. “There’s a lot of experience, with Pato being the youngest of us,” he noted, suggesting the trio’s dynamics could be a “lot of fun.” The friendship he built with O’Ward at McLaren survived Rosenqvist’s departure, offering a rare continuity that could benefit the team’s cohesion.

What This Means for Arrow McLaren and the Series

The addition of Dixon signals Arrow McLaren’s confidence in veteran performance despite age concerns. Historically, drivers in their mid‑40s have continued to compete at the highest level when paired with fresh talent and solid team support. O’Ward’s outspoken defense may also help quiet skepticism and generate excitement among fans ahead of the August doubleheader at Milwaukee.

Palou, who will have a new teammate, emphasized that the most important factors are speed and consistent team culture, regardless of who occupies the No. 9 seat. If Arrow McLaren can balance Dixon’s championship experience with Rosenqvist’s development potential and O’Ward’s youthful aggression, the team could become a dark‑horse contender in the hunt for the 2027 championship. The broader IndyCar community will watch how this veteran‑laden lineup influences the upcoming car‑development era and potentially reshapes the competitive landscape.