Christian Lundgaard joins Chip Ganassi Racing on multi-year agreement
Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has confirmed their signing of Christian Lundgaard, who will join the team for the 2027 season, taking over the No. 9 Honda following Scott Dixon's departure to Arrow McLaren.
Lundgaard completes CGR's three-car line-up alongside reigning series champion Álex Palou and Kyffin Simpson, giving the team three young drivers as the team looks to continue to build on its recent success.
The move comes after an impressive 2026 campaign for Lundgaard, who finished third in the championship, becoming the Arrow McLaren driver to beat Pato O'Ward in the championship. Lundgaard claimed victories at both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and Road America, and earned five further podiums across the course of the season.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season," said Lundgaard. "The fact that it is in the iconic No. 9 PNC Bank Honda makes it even more special. CGR has set the standard in IndyCar for decades, and the opportunity to be part of that legacy is something I've worked toward my entire career. I'm incredibly excited about what's ahead. I can't wait to get to work with everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing and compete for wins, championships, and the Indianapolis 500.”
Lundgaard joined Arrow McLaren prior to the 2025 IndyCar season after spending three years with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. With his time at McLaren, the Dane proved himself as one of the series' most dependable front-runners, often being the closest challenger to Palou on road and street courses.
However, a lack of results on ovals throughout his two years at McLaren meant that the team opted to drop Lundgaard in favour of Dixon and Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist, leaving no space for Lundgaard in one of the most divisive driver moves in recent memory.
The switch also marks the beginning of a new era for Chip Ganassi Racing, as the team embarks on a first year without Dixon since 2002, a driver-team combination that earned six championships and an Indianapolis 500 victory. Lundgaard now inherits one of the most recognisable cars in American open-wheel racing.
“We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing," said Chip Ganassi, Team Owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. "We know he's capable of accomplishing even more in IndyCar, and we're looking forward to helping him reach that next level with the No. 9 team. He's already proven he can win races, and it isn't often a driver of his calibre becomes available. Throughout our history, one of the things we've done best is identify young talent, help them maximise their potential, and develop them into championship contenders. We believe Christian has all the talent to be the next driver to do that.”
Chip Ganassi Racing's new line-up of Palou, Lundgaard and Simpson gives the team a blend of proven championship-winning pace and long-term potential as preparations begin for the 2027 season.
Lundgaard's confirmation also ends the conversation as to who will get the most coveted seat left on the driver market for 2027. The only seats available for grabs in 2027 are the No.4 AJ Foyt Racing entry and both Dale Coyne Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing entries.
Comments