Key takeaways
- Ownership struggle at Juncos: Brad Hollinger is working to buy out founder Ricardo Juncos, seeking full ownership of the IndyCar team ahead of 2027.
- Potential McLaren partnership: Hollinger is reportedly exploring a technical alliance with McLaren, potentially opening doors for Arrow McLaren reserve driver Caio Collet.
- VeeKay focuses on racing: Rinus VeeKay maintains a strict buffer between engineering and team politics, while acknowledging that technical alliances build consistency.
A potential shift in ownership structure at Juncos Hollinger Racing has become a central topic in the IndyCar paddock in recent weeks, with co-owner Brad Hollinger preparing a move to assume full operational control. Speaking during a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO on Tuesday (25), full-time team driver Rinus VeeKay side-stepped ownership questions while welcoming the prospect of a technical partnership for the future.
According to RACER’s Marshall Pruett, Hollinger is working to acquire the ownership stake held by team founder Ricardo Juncos. Hollinger is concurrently holding preliminary discussions to establish a strategic alliance with McLaren for 2027—a deal that could pave the way for Brazilian driver Caio Collet, who enjoys strong backing from Arrow McLaren team principal Tony Kanaan.
Conversely, Juncos is actively searching for investors to buyout Hollinger’s shares and retain control of the outfit he established. Both partners hold contractual buy-out clauses valid at the end of the 2026 season, though Hollinger possesses significantly greater financial capital.
“I haven’t heard about these rumors,” VeeKay responded to GRANDE PRÊMIO. “I’m also not very involved in that because it’s a matter tied to team management. We have a strong barrier inside the engineering department so that, regardless of what’s happening, we don’t let it interfere with our work area,” he added.
Without explicitly naming McLaren, VeeKay evaluated the prospect of a technical partnership positively.
“An alliance is always a positive thing for a motorsport team. Joining forces is always good. It could be very beneficial for the future of Juncos Hollinger to build greater consistency,” VeeKay noted.
“On the other hand, there are always many things happening at the same time, so I’m not sure how this will play out,” VeeKay concluded.
The paddock update comes as Yuki Tsunoda keeps options open for an IndyCar drive while prioritizing F1, while Dolly Parton’s NASCAR legacy is remembered following her passing at age 80.
IndyCar returns this weekend with a double-header at the 1-mile Milwaukee Mile oval—rounds 16 and 17 of the 2026 season—located in West Allis, Wisconsin. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of the event. Follow all updates on our news page.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What is the current ownership situation at Juncos Hollinger Racing?
Co-owner Brad Hollinger is attempting to acquire founder Ricardo Juncos’ ownership stake to take full control of the IndyCar team heading into 2027.
2. Which team could partner with Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2027?
Brad Hollinger is exploring a potential technical and strategic alliance with McLaren.
3. When is the next IndyCar race on the 2026 calendar?
IndyCar returns this weekend with a double-header event at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin.
