McLaughlin pleased by points despite ‘risky strategy’

Despite leading much of the opening IndyCar race of 2025 from pole and ending up fourth, Scott McLaughlin was still happy with the result following a “risky strategy.”

McLaughlin generated plenty of excitement by taking the first pole of the season at St Petersburgh.

The Team Penske Kiwi then controlled the majority of the first half of the race, but critically stayed out on harder tyres during early caution.

McLaughlin had built a 12s lead after using alternate tyres in the mid-part of the race, but those who pitted straight away eventually picked off the three-time Supercars champion and relegated him to fourth.

Reflecting on the race McLaughlin is not too concerned about missing a top three and was happy to collect a decent haul of points to start the season even though he led a race-high 40 laps.

“The yellow on the first lap really hurt us, but we knew going in, that was the risk of running the black tyre,” he said. 

“We wanted a solid race, and I thought the risky strategy was starting on the green. 

“Ultimately it was the other way around but we had great pace today and I’m really proud of everyone.

“We were ultimately a pit stop behind, but we knew that was the risk of running the blacks. 

“I think if there was no yellow first lap, we’re gone. It is what it is. 

“Great day for the DEX Imaging Chevy. Good points. Great start to the year. A pole and a fourth, I can’t be unhappy with that.”

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing race for Australia’s Will Power as he got caught in a first-lap crash at Turn 3, which he admits was “my fault.”

“Just really close racing there in the middle of the pack and we got checked up super quick,” he said. 

“Got into the back of the 6 car which was my fault and obviously not intentional. 

“Normally that corner opens up a bit there, so I need to go back and look at that. 

“Not much I could do after that contact with the 45 car behind me. Just hate to start the season this way. 

“We’ve been strong starters the last few years with the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet. Looking forward to Thermal and the points race there.”

For the first time IndyCar will stage a championship race at the Thermal Club near Palm Springs on Sunday, March 23.

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