IndyCar: 5 possible landing spots for Rinus VeeKay in 2023
By Asher Fair
Rinus VeeKay 2023 landing spots: No. 4 – Arrow McLaren SP
The third Arrow McLaren SP seat, a seat that doesn’t yet exist in a full-time capacity, has become a hot topic as of late. Following several months of speculation, it was finally formally confirmed that Alexander Rossi is set to leave Andretti Autosport and join Arrow McLaren SP for 2023.
But Rossi isn’t necessarily joining the team to drive their third car. While it has been confirmed that Pato O’Ward is set to return to the #5 Chevrolet after signing a multi-year contract extension, Felix Rosenqvist’s future behind the wheel of the #7 Chevrolet is still up in the air. Beyond O’Ward, no car numbers have been confirmed for anybody at the team next year.
An improvement in form as of late should certainly keep Rosenqvist in contention to retain his seat, but with how early silly season has gotten underway — and with a huge Arrow McLaren SP confirmation, nonetheless — could it be too little, too late?
While Alex Palou has indeed signed with McLaren, that announcement didn’t specify the series in which he is set to drive, as McLaren field entries in multiple series worldwide. Legally, can Chip Ganassi Racing ensure he doesn’t compete against them in IndyCar?
It’s possible, but they may want to be careful. If they do that, they may open themselves up to the possibility of Zak Brown swiping another one of their potential drivers in VeeKay.
A move to Arrow McLaren SP would keep VeeKay with Chevrolet and arm the team with a fordimable trio as they emerge as serious championship contenders and continue to challenge the “big three” of Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Andretti Autosport.