From Europe to America: Rediscovering the Joy of Racing
Christian Lundgaard’s IndyCar journey has been one of passion, growth, and determination. Entering his fourth full season in the NTT IndyCar Series, the Danish driver has firmly embraced the series as his home, reigniting his love for the sport after the cutthroat nature of European racing left him searching for more.
Having risen through the ranks of the European formula ladder to Formula 2, Lundgaard found the barrier to Formula 1 insurmountable. But a one-off IndyCar race in 2021 changed everything, reminding him of the pure joy of go-karting that first sparked his love for racing.
“IndyCar reminds me of go-karts, which is what I fell in love with in the sport,” Lundgaard said. “It’s about the racing rather than everything else. Yes, everything else comes with it, but it’s ultimately whoever crosses the start-finish line first. It’s just pure racing.”
A New Chapter with Arrow McLaren
After three seasons with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, where he earned multiple podiums and a victory at Toronto, Lundgaard is now looking to elevate his career with Arrow McLaren. Joining a team that has become a consistent contender, he is eager to learn from standout driver and new teammate Pato O’Ward, whose dominance in the 2024 season—including a pivotal hybrid-powered victory at Mid-Ohio—has set the standard.
“I think what Arrow McLaren and Pato did through the 2024 season showed me that they’re up for the challenge and ahead of everybody else,” Lundgaard explained.
With McLaren’s cutting-edge approach and proven success, Lundgaard is determined to hit the ground running. “We don’t want to take the first couple of races to get up to speed. We want to be ready to fight for podiums and wins from the get-go.”
Goals for 2025: Winning Every Race
Lundgaard’s ambitions for 2025 are clear: win races and contend for the championship.
“At the end of the day, I want to win all races. We all do,” Lundgaard said. “But I think by doing that, you have to be competitive in every single event and put yourself in the best position to have a good result.”
Arrow McLaren’s state-of-the-art operations and focus on hybrid development make them a formidable force. For Lundgaard, the move represents an opportunity to solidify his place among IndyCar’s elite.
Reconnecting with the Spirit of Racing
Lundgaard’s love for IndyCar lies not just in the competition but in the spirit of the series. Unlike the rigid, corporate atmosphere often found in European motorsport, IndyCar fosters an environment where racing takes center stage.
“IndyCar feels like home,” Lundgaard said. “It did from day one.”
As he embarks on this new chapter with Arrow McLaren, Lundgaard carries the hopes of a promising future in a series that has reignited his passion for racing.