Christian Lundgaard, the newest member of Arrow McLaren’s IndyCar team for 2025, has made it clear that he has “zero interest” in returning to Formula 1.
Lundgaard has had a journey filled with racing variety. Starting in European open-wheel racing, he signed on with the Renault Sport Academy in 2017. He even got behind the wheel of an F1 car at famous tracks like the Hungaroring and Bahrain. But as time went on, Lundgaard’s ambitions shifted away from F1, especially after his career in Formula 2 hit a snag despite a strong rookie year in 2020.
Deciding to switch gears, Lundgaard moved to IndyCar in 2022 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He didn’t just participate; he made a mark by winning Rookie of the Year. His impressive performance caught the eye of many, and earlier this month, Arrow McLaren announced that Lundgaard would be joining their team to replace Alexander Rossi for the upcoming season.
Lundgaard’s focus remains sharp on his current season, despite the exciting news. “Honestly, nothing has changed, nothing will change,” he said when asked about his mindset. He emphasized that his priority is to finish the season strong and continue improving, regardless of which car he’s driving. “The decision at the end of the day is… it’s nice to have sorted, but it doesn’t really change anything for me at the moment.”
When questioned about potentially joining McLaren’s F1 team, Lundgaard was straightforward: “Zero interest. I’ve been a part of that world. I don’t want to go back.” His stance was clear and firm, showing his commitment to his current path.
Interestingly, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown wasn’t fazed by Lundgaard’s lack of interest in F1. “Good! Because I’ve not spoken with him about it. I’m good in F1,” Brown responded. Brown shared that he was impressed by Lundgaard’s pace and maturity, particularly during his maiden IndyCar victory in Toronto in 2023. F1’s newest race winner, Oscar Piastri, also vouched for Lundgaard’s speed, adding more weight to Brown’s decision.
Brown believes that Lundgaard’s addition to the team will be beneficial, not just for the Dane but also for his new teammates, Pato O’Ward and Nolan Siegel. He expects Lundgaard to be a strong contender for the championship and a valuable asset to the team.
Christian Lundgaard’s journey from European open-wheel racing to becoming a standout in IndyCar is a testament to his adaptability and skill. With his sights set firmly on success in the IndyCar series, Lundgaard’s determination and focus make him an exciting addition to the Arrow McLaren team. The future looks bright for this talented driver, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how he continues to evolve and excel.
