Nolan Siegel Looks to Rebound in Make-or-Break IndyCar Season

Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan issues stern warning to young driver: "Shut up and drive, and kick everybody's ass."

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:15am

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Nolan Siegel, the 21-year-old driver for Arrow McLaren in the NTT IndyCar Series, is facing a make-or-break 2026 season after a difficult 2025 campaign. Team principal Tony Kanaan has made it clear that Siegel needs to finish in the top 10 in the championship or risk losing his seat. Siegel understands the harsh realities of auto racing and is determined to prove himself on the track.

Why it matters

Siegel is a promising young driver who has struggled to find consistent success in his rookie IndyCar season. The pressure is on for him to perform this year, as Kanaan has made it clear that his future with the team is dependent on his results. This story highlights the high-stakes nature of professional motorsports and the challenges young drivers face in establishing themselves at the top level.

The details

In a frank assessment, Kanaan told Siegel that he needs to "shut up and drive, and kick everybody's ass" in order to keep his seat with the team. Kanaan has advocated for Siegel, but made it clear that the young driver needs to finish in the top 10 in the championship or risk being replaced. Siegel has acknowledged the difficulty of competing in IndyCar, but is grateful for the opportunity and the support of his team. He has spent the offseason immersing himself in endurance racing in the Asian Le Mans Series to stay sharp, and is focused on improving his race execution and decision-making in 2026.

  • The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season will begin on March 1 with the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.

The players

Nolan Siegel

A 21-year-old driver from Palo Alto, California, competing in his second season in the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren.

Tony Kanaan

The team principal of Arrow McLaren and a former IndyCar driver himself, who has advocated for Siegel but issued a stern warning about his future with the team.

Pato O'Ward

Siegel's teammate at Arrow McLaren, who is also a top driver in the NTT IndyCar Series.

Christian Lundgaard

Another of Siegel's teammates at Arrow McLaren, who is also a rising star in the series.

Ryan Hunter-Reay

An experienced IndyCar driver who will be Siegel's teammate at Arrow McLaren in 2026, providing valuable mentorship.

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What they’re saying

“He needs to finish in the top 10 in the championship and if not, I don't think I can keep him. We need to provide him with the best people, the best opportunities, the best strategy, and also a reliable car that would never stop on a racetrack. With that, I've done my part. Nolan, you got to do your part. And I'm here to help you, tell you all my secrets, anything you need to know. And he knows that.”

— Tony Kanaan, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren

“First of all, if you're worried about the noise, that's the way you can change the noise. Instead of worrying about it and trying to justify it with words, shut up and drive, and kick everybody's ass.”

— Tony Kanaan, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren

“There's always pressure when you're competing at this level. But for me, I think the pressure comes more internally. I want to perform at my best. That's why I'm here. I'm here to challenge myself. And ultimately if I do perform, there'll be a future. If I don't, there won't. That's how it is for everyone in motorsports, even if you're established. That's just kind of the nature of being a professional athlete.”

— Nolan Siegel

“It really is the best drivers and teams in the world, and it's an honor to get to compete here and get to compete against them. But it's certainly not easy. You do have to be almost perfect every weekend. And being new, especially with such a long off season, so little testing, so little time in the car, it takes time. It takes time to learn, and there's no real way to accelerate that process.”

— Nolan Siegel

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the high-stakes nature of professional motorsports, where young drivers like Nolan Siegel must prove themselves quickly or risk losing their seats. Siegel's determination to learn and improve, coupled with the support and guidance of his experienced team, will be crucial factors in determining his success in the 2026 IndyCar season.