McLaughlin to Begin 2026 with New Spotter

Scott McLaughlin will face a subtle but significant change when the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season begins, as the Team Penske driver prepares to work with a new spotter for the first time in his IndyCar career. The 32-year-old New Zealander has confirmed that veteran spotter David Hunt will take over radio duties on the No. 3 Chevrolet, replacing long-time collaborator Adam Fournier.

The announcement, made by McLaughlin on social media, marks the end of a partnership that dates back to late 2020, when the former Supercars champion made his highly anticipated transition to IndyCar. Since then, Fournier and McLaughlin have been a constant pairing through the steep learning curve of American open-wheel racing, helping to establish the Auckland native as one of the championship’s most consistent front-runners.

Hunt arrives at Team Penske with a formidable reputation. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished spotters in the paddock, he most recently filled the same role at Andretti Global for Colton Herta on the No. 26 Honda. Hunt’s availability follows Herta’s departure from IndyCar as he prepares for his maiden campaign in Formula 2, opening the door for Penske to secure one of the sport’s most experienced voices on the radio.

Team Penske confirmed that Fournier will move on to a new opportunity within the NASCAR ecosystem, though further details of his next role have not been disclosed. His departure closes an especially productive chapter in McLaughlin’s IndyCar career. Across 85 starts together, the pairing achieved seven victories, 23 podium finishes and led a combined total of 1,304 laps—figures that underline both competitive success and operational harmony.

Beyond the statistics, the relationship between driver and spotter developed into a genuine friendship. McLaughlin has frequently spoken of Fournier’s influence off the track as well, jokingly crediting him with turning a New Zealander raised on rugby into an unlikely supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers in American college football. Such personal connections are not uncommon in IndyCar, where trust and communication are paramount, particularly on ovals where a spotter’s judgement can define the outcome of a race.

For McLaughlin, adapting to Hunt’s voice, cadence and decision-making style will be one of several small adjustments as he continues to refine his championship challenge. However, Hunt’s experience and calm authority should ease the transition, especially within the meticulously structured environment of Team Penske.

As the 2026 season approaches, the change represents evolution rather than upheaval—an established driver pairing with a proven spotter in pursuit of sustained success.

McLaughlin Spotter Change Overview

While results ultimately unfold on track, the partnership between McLaughlin and Hunt will be closely watched as the Penske driver looks to convert consistency into a sustained title bid in 2026.