Denmark’s Christian Lundgaard will take over the number #7 Arrow McLaren as he has agreed a deal with the team. Alexander Rossi will depart at the end of this campaign as he failed to agree fresh terms with them.
Lundgaard has been hugely impressive since joining IndyCar following his move over from F2. He took his maiden win in Toronto last year and has consistently been the lead RLL car since the start of 2023. He has two other podiums appearances to his name, as well as two poles.
Christian Lundgaard, Driver, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, said: “I’m excited to have my plans set for 2025 and beyond, and I’m thrilled it’s with Arrow McLaren. I have a lot of respect for Zak, Gavin, Tony and the team, and I think Pato, Nolan and I will work well together.
“I’m focused 100% on finishing this season strong with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. We have a lot of the season left, but this is a huge weight off my shoulders that will hopefully let me compete at my best the next nine races.”
During his time at Arrow McLaren, qualifying has been a struggle for Alex Rossi. However, progress looked to have been made recently as he was the lead McLaren on the grid at the Indy 500 and Laguna Seca. He also finished P3 in the race in California and looked to be in control of it until a caution opened the door for two different strategies.
The 8-time race winner and 2016 Indy 500 is confident he’ll be on the grid next year.
Alexander Rossi, Driver, Arrow McLaren, said: “My time at Arrow McLaren, while it’s been only short two seasons, has been rewarding in many ways. I’m grateful to have been part of the team’s internal growth. The No. 7 crew is fantastic, and I’ve built a lot of long-lasting friendships with the team.
“Zak, Gavin, Tony and I had many conversations over the last several months on my future with the team. We were not able to come to terms on a new deal, so the mutual decision to part ways is amicable.
“I’m very confident with current discussions in the paddock to land a new spot. I’ll have good news to follow soon, and meanwhile I’m focused on a top-five finish in the 2024 championship and a strong conclusion to my time in papaya.”
Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said: “Alexander has been an incredible teammate, and we’re grateful for our two seasons we’re racing with him. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him. Ultimately we couldn’t meet in the middle on terms, but we absolutely wish him the best and will do all we can the second half of the season to get him in the top five in the championship.
“Christian has had proven success in his few seasons racing in the series, and he checks the boxes for what we’re looking for in speed and potential alongside Pato and Nolan. The three make up the youngest trio on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES grid, and we know that direction has been paying off for our F1 counterparts with Lando and Oscar.
“We’re looking toward our long-term goal of sustained high performance, and I believe with these three drivers and the ongoing support of Arrow and all our amazing partners, we’re taking a good step in that direction for 2025.”
Statement by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
“Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is looking forward to closing out our working relationship with Christian Lundgaard as successfully as possible and thank him for his past efforts on behalf of the team. We are proud to have brought him into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and wish him well in the future.”
