Christian Lundgaard, a driver with two wins this season, just got blindsided: Arrow McLaren isn’t bringing him back next year. You read that right. Two wins, and he’s out. It’s a move that’s got the entire INDYCAR garage in Lebanon, Tennessee buzzing, with Lundgaard admitting he was surprised by the decision. He knows he’s gotta move on, even if it feels wild.
Lundgaard’s Shock Exit and the Hunt for a New Ride
Seriously, who tells a guy with two wins he’s not getting a new contract? The industry is questioning this one big time, and honestly, Lundgaard feels the results and reactions speak for themselves. “Everybody knows my opinion and everybody has their own,” Lundgaard told reporters on Saturday. “I don’t need to go into preference and what people think, but I think there is a general image on the situation.” He’s staying committed to his team for the rest of the year, but the clock is ticking for 2027. The good news? Most folks expect Lundgaard to land a sweet new ride, with Scott Dixon’s spot at Chip Ganassi Racing looking like the most likely landing spot, especially since Dixon is headed to McLaren. “There’s no news,” Lundgaard said, “I’ll be doing something … I hope.” Talk about a tough spot, but you gotta respect the grind.
Siegel’s Leap and the Ten Driver Limbo
Lundgaard isn’t alone in this contract chaos. He’s one of ten INDYCAR drivers without a deal for next season, and only two of them, Lundgaard and his current Arrow McLaren teammate Nolan Siegel, have been explicitly told they won’t be back. Siegel’s story is a bit different. The 21-year-old, who brings funding with him, jumped at the chance to join McLaren during the 2024 season. He’s had inconsistent results, which is pretty much what you’d expect from such a young driver, but he’s not regretting the move. “When you get a call to drive for McLaren in INDYCAR and you have no other options, saying yes to that opportunity is absolutely a no-brainer under any circumstance for any driver,” Siegel explained. Now, he’s focused on the last seven races, knowing that doing well is his best shot at staying in INDYCAR. “I’m talking to as many people as I can,” Siegel told reporters, “I’d love to stay in INDYCAR. That is certainly the goal.”
Who Else Is Sweating 2027?
Beyond Lundgaard and Siegel, eight other drivers are holding their breath for 2027 contracts. You’ve got Santino Ferrucci and Caio Collet from A.J. Foyt Racing, Mick Schumacher at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Romain Grosjean and Dennis Hauger from Dale Coyne Racing, Rinus VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb with Juncos Hollinger Racing, and Marcus Ericsson from Andretti Global. Ericsson, an Indianapolis 500 winner and former Formula 1 driver, is having a strong enough year that he’s likely to snag another season with his current team. He’s been around the block, so this kind of contract talk isn’t new to him. “I’m just trying to really deliver out on track and do a good job with the team. That’s where my priorities are,” Ericsson shared. But the guy everyone’s probably fighting over? That’d be Rinus VeeKay, who’s reportedly in the highest demand. With the 2026 season still rolling, every race is a tryout for these drivers.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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