As the 2025 IndyCar Series season unfolds, Arrow McLaren’s rising star, Christian Lundgaard, has made a remarkable impression. With an impressive tally of three podium finishes in the first five races, Lundgaard currently ranks third in the championship standings, trailing Kyle Kirkwood by just one point, while Alex Palou leads the pack significantly.
Lundgaard has described this beginning to the season as a “rocket start,” expressing his confidence in his ability to contend for his first championship title in 2025, despite facing a daunting 98-point deficit to the leader, Palou. The young Dane, at just 23 years of age, remains optimistic. He pointed out, “The amount of points the #10 car [driven by Palou] has amassed can quickly change. They are bound to have off weekends; no one can win every race. While it may seem like they have it all figured out now, we must focus on what lies within our control.”
He emphasized the importance of concentrating on their own race strategy rather than being preoccupied with Palou’s performance. “As the season progresses, we will see who our competition truly is. But I always believe there’s a chance,” he asserted.
Reflecting on his unexpected success at the start of this season, Lundgaard admitted, “If someone had told me six months ago that I’d be in this position, I don’t think any of us would have believed it. We were hopeful but never set high expectations. It’s gratifying to see our hard work pay off, especially considering the challenges I’ve faced in the past three years. I feel at peace now, enjoying the act of driving, and the results speak for themselves.”
Before joining Arrow McLaren for the 2025 season, Lundgaard spent three years with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, where he achieved three podium finishes, including a victory in Toronto in 2023. Remarkably, just five races into his new role with Arrow McLaren, he has already matched his previous podium record.
He shared insights about his transition to the new team, saying, “The initial weeks in the car were quite different and required some adjustments. It wasn’t necessarily a struggle; it was just a matter of getting used to the car’s dynamics. For the first two and a half weeks, it was evident that we needed to address certain issues to enhance my comfort level. When you have ingrained muscle memory and are suddenly thrust into a different environment, adjustments are necessary. Now, I feel comfortable and at peace with the car’s handling, which aligns more closely with my preferences.”
Lundgaard also discussed his relationship with teammate Pato O’Ward, highlighting the importance of collaboration in their new environment. “Entering this season, I knew I was joining a team often referred to as ‘Pato’s team.’ Pato and I had a conversation before I joined; while not everyone was aware, we agreed that both of us are fast. Instead of competing against each other, we decided to work together to push the team forward and maximize our car’s performance. I believe we’ve already begun to see the benefits of this approach.”
He elaborated on the synergy between him and O’Ward, stating, “If something goes wrong with the #7 car, the #5 car can pick up the slack. This partnership has proven to be strong, as we can challenge each other. One weekend I may be faster, and the next weekend it might be him. We’re both pushing each other to improve.”
Additionally, Lundgaard spoke about his relationship with fellow teammate Nolan Siegel, who joined the team full-time during the ninth round of the previous season. “Nolan is learning a great deal from both of us. He has immense potential and will undoubtedly become a highly competitive driver in the future. At just 20 years old, he’s still in the early stages of his career. In time, he will gain the experience necessary to be as competitive as we are now, and he is certainly someone to watch closely.”
As the Indianapolis 500 approaches, Lundgaard expressed his calm demeanor, stating, “I feel composed right now. I have adjusted my mindset since the [Indy] Grand Prix, focusing on enjoying the experience, soaking in everything, and learning as much as possible. The outcome will unfold as it should. The McLaren cars have consistently performed well at the Indy 500, so I am eager to deliver a strong performance.”
He also reflected on his future with Arrow McLaren, emphasizing the team’s faith in his abilities. “They believed in what I could achieve, and I think we’ve already demonstrated to ourselves that this was the right decision. I don’t foresee us having weekends where we completely falter. From a consistency standpoint, I believe we will be competitive every weekend. The team’s approach with the #7 car has been straightforward. Simplicity is crucial for us, and we must not allow external factors to affect our performance. We will continue to go with the flow, and thus far, this strategy has proven effective.”
As the season progresses, Lundgaard’s confidence and determination are palpable. His journey from a struggling driver to a formidable contender exemplifies the spirit of perseverance in the competitive world of IndyCar racing. The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one as Lundgaard continues to chase his dream of becoming a champion while navigating the challenges and dynamics of his new team at Arrow McLaren. With a strong start and a collaborative mindset, Lundgaard is poised to make waves in the IndyCar Series, capturing the attention of fans and competitors alike as he aims for success in the upcoming races.
