Scott McLaughlin and Devlin DeFrancesco seen in heated exchange after IndyCar incident
A formation lap clash between Scott McLaughlin and Rahal Letterman led to a heated post-race exchange.
Devlin Defrancesco, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Photo by: Penske Entertainment
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin and Rahal Letterman Lanigan driver Devlin DeFrancesco were spotted in a heated exchange following the IndyCar race at The Thermal Club.
After a clash on the formation lap at Turn 15, the cars span off the track, ultimately damaging their races, with the Team Penske driver retiring due to overheating issues and DeFrancesco crossing the line in 20th after serving a drive-through penalty for causing the collision between the pair.
DeFrancesco was seen angrily confronting McLaughlin after the race:
“We’re supposed to be side-by-side, you f*****g moron. You turned in at me. You closed the f*****g door.”
McLaughlin was quick to fight his corner, arguing: “You drove into me. You got a drive-through for a reason.”
DeFrancesco continued to discuss the situation in a press release from the team:
“I got hit before the green flag even started,” he said. “McLaughlin closed the line as we were supposed to be running side by side through 15. He left me no room and turned down on me, which caused us to have a drive-through.
Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
Photo by: Penske Entertainment
“So not only did we start last, we started 30 seconds behind everybody else. The No. 30 Mi-Jack Honda was strong, especially on alternate tyres. We seemed to really be able to carve our way through.
“That last stint on primary tyres, we just bottomed on the out lap and lost it but you know, where I would have started, we would have probably been around 14th considering the drive-through.
“It made somewhat good of a bad day but we need to go review it with the INDYCAR stewards now because in my opinion that drive-through was uncalled for.”
Despite the post-race drama, Alex Palou secured his 13th victory with Chip Ganassi Racing. He was joined on the podium by Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O'Ward and Christian Lundgaard, who finished the race in second and third, respectively.
“What an amazing weekend,” Palou said. “Honestly, we’ve had a really fast car since practice. They executed very well. Everybody at Chip Ganassi Racing, the 10 car, executed perfectly.”
Photos from Thermal Club - Race
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2025 The Thermal Club - Sunday
2025 The Thermal Club - Sunday
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