P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren missed out on a podium finish in the Indy 500 despite being seen as one of the pre-race favourites.
McLaren team principal Tony Kanaan acknowledged that their team lacked the necessary speed to win the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday despite a strong effort from lead driver Pato O’Ward, who started on the front row and briefly led the race.
O’Ward, while able to regain some lost ground to finish fourth, struggled with late-race pace compared to the leaders Alex Palou, Marcus Ericsson, and David Malukas.
McLaren’s other drivers Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel finished ninth and 16th, respectively, while wildcard Kyle Larson crashed out on lap 91.
Kanaan expressed pride in the team’s performance, recognizing the fierce competition and the dominance of Alex Palou, emphasizing the importance of consistency for Championship points.
O’Ward mentioned feeling “stuck” in the race’s closing stages due to the challenges of overtaking with the new hybrid Indy cars, praising Palou’s exceptional form and expressing determination to continue fighting in the upcoming race in Detroit.
