McLaughlin dominates IndyCar's hybrid era with stellar performance stats
From the introduction of IndyCar's hybrid system at Mid-Ohio in July 2024, Scott McLaughlin has emerged as the series' standout performer. The Team Penske driver boasts impressive statistics with a class-leading average qualifying position of 4.2 and race finishing position of 5.0 across the 10 hybrid-era races, outperforming rivals Colton Herta and Alex Palou who both average around 8.0 in qualifying and 7.2-7.3 in races.
IndyCar driver preparing before race
McLaughlin's success with the heavier hybrid-equipped car (adding 105 lbs) stems from his extensive experience in Australian Supercars, where he managed heavy race cars and complex in-car adjustments. Working alongside race engineer Ben Bretzman, he's developed a consistent setup approach that works across all track types.
The seven-time IndyCar race winner and nine-time pole-sitter credits his adaptability to his Supercars background and the tough-love mentoring of former boss Garry Rogers. Rogers' straightforward advice - "figure out what you need and just drive" - has shaped McLaughlin's approach to mastering the hybrid system's complexities, including energy management and lap-by-lap optimization.
McLaughlin embraces the technical challenges of the hybrid era, particularly enjoying the strategic elements of energy deployment and management throughout each race. His success demonstrates how prior experience with heavier race cars can translate into advantages in IndyCar's new hybrid era.