Arrow McLaren is adding driver Christian Lundgaard to its 2025 IndyCar team.
Lundgaard will replace Alexander Rossi, who is in his second season with the team, as the two sides mutually part ways after failing to reach a new deal.
The 22-year-old Lundgren will join 25-year-old Pato O’Ward of Mexico and Nolan Siegel, 19, on what McLaren officials bill as the youngest IndyCar team.
Lundgren, of Denmark, stands in 11th place in the IndyCar standings, driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He was the IndyCar rookie of the year in 2022.
With his new team, he will drive the No. 7 Velo Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
He has a win, two poles and three podiums in his young career.
Rossi, currently seventh in the standings, won the Indy 500 in his rookie season in 2016 with Andretti Global. The 32-year-old has made just two podiums with McLaren.
Lundgard said having his plans in place for 2025 will allow him to concentrate on this season.
“I think Pato, Nolan and I will work well together,” he said. “I’m focused 100 percent 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.”
Rossi said he is in talks to find a new team.
“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,” he said.
Rossi said he and McLaren decided to split as they couldn’t reach agreement on a new deal.
“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,” he said.
–Field Level Media