The statistics don’t lie. Since IndyCar added 105 lbs of new weight to the back of its cars at Mid-Ohio in the summer of 2024 with the Chevy- and Honda-built energy recovery systems, Scott McLaughlin has distinguished himself as the best of his peers.

From that July 7 introduction onwards, the Team Penske driver has become IndyCar’s top hybrid-era qualifier with an average starting position of 4.2, well clear of Colton Herta, last year’s championship runner up (8.0) and reigning champion Alex Palou (also 8.0) over the 10 races since the series went hybrid.