Scott McLaughlin has hinted that Simon Pagenaud may return to his corner for the upcoming Indy 500 race. Pagenaud assisted McLaughlin before the 2024 race, which helped the New Zealander secure the pole position.

McLaughlin, who moved from New Zealand in the 2020s to race in IndyCar, had previously competed in the V8 Supercars championship and faced challenges with ovals and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Before the 2024 Indy 500, McLaughlin sought help from Pagenaud, a former Indy 500 winner and his neighbor.

McLaughlin credited Pagenaud for his pole position. In a recent episode of the Marshall Pruett podcast, McLaughlin was asked if Pagenaud would be in the garage for the Indy 500. McLaughlin said that Pagenaud should be at the 500, at least during practice week, but that they were still working out the details. He added that Pagenaud is constantly in touch, sending messages and texting Ben during the sessions, showing his full involvement and love for the sport. McLaughlin emphasized how much he values having Pagenaud in his corner, calling him an “absolute professor”.

The two drivers live near each other in North Carolina, and Pagenaud shared his knowledge with McLaughlin, which proved beneficial. Prior to the 2024 race, McLaughlin’s best Indy 500 qualifying and race result was P14. However, after Pagenaud’s mentorship, McLaughlin finished P6 after starting on pole.

McLaughlin gifted Pagenaud his pole position helmet from the 2024 Indy 500 as a thank you for his guidance. Pagenaud thanked McLaughlin on X, and McLaughlin responded by tweeting that the gift was small compared to the guidance Pagenaud gave him in 2024 and continues to give him.