McLaren is exploring a possible full-time entry into the Verizon IndyCar Series in '19, according to sources. It would be part of a possible joint entry with either Andretti Autosport or Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. McLaren, the English car company with a flagship F1 team, has been involved off and on in IndyCar since it started running Indy 500s in '70, but a full-time effort would mark a new level to its ties to the series. It did field a one-off joint-entry in last year’s Indianapolis 500 with Andretti and driver Fernando Alonso. McLaren staff was on site at the Indianapolis Grand Prix at IMS this past weekend developing the venture. A potential driver and sponsorship were unclear.
The addition of McLaren to the IndyCar paddock would be a significant boost for the series, which saw substantial global interest when Alonso ran the 500. McLaren and RLL declined comment, while Andretti said, “We think McLaren would be a valuable addition to the IndyCar paddock. Our partnership for the 2017 Indy 500 proved to be successful and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again. As for any of McLaren’s 2019 plans, that is a question best directed to McLaren.”
