Kyle Larson crashes during Indy 500 open test session

During open testing for the upcoming Indianapolis 500, NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson crashed his Arrow McLaren IndyCar after experiencing severe understeer in Turn 1, resulting in contact with the wall and a damaged suspension. Larson, who was participating in his first official IndyCar hybrid test, was uninjured and expressed relief at getting his first IndyCar crash out of the way while noting persistent handling challenges from the previous day. The added weight and complexity of the new hybrid power units were cited as contributing factors to the car's understeer and Larson's adjustment difficulties. The incident occurred during a qualifying simulation session with increased boost pressure, highlighting the track's notorious difficulty even for accomplished drivers. Larson remains focused on preparing for both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, aiming to complete the doubleheader after last year's rain-impacted effort. The open test also saw two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato crash in similar conditions, underscoring the demanding nature of the hybrid IndyCar setup.