The NTT INDYCAR SERIES kicked off its silly season with the news that Felix Rosenqvist was departing Meyer Shank Racing at the end of 2026. To follow that, Scott Dixon shattered expectations by announcing he was leaving Chip Ganassi Racing after 24 years. Now, it has been confirmed that they will replace both Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard. Joining Pato O’Ward, they form the new trio for Arrow McLaren in 2027.
Two To Depart
Siegel’s seat has been up for debate this year. Ahead of the season beginning the Team Principal, Tony Kanaan, didn’t hesitate to set expectations. The American had to finish in the Top 10 of the standings to retain his seat. Christian Lundgaard, however, looked slightly more comfortable.
Despite an uptick in performance in recent rounds, Siegel has failed to live up to the requirements. Currently, he sits P20, a long way off his teammates in third and fifth. He joined the team in 2024, replacing Theo Pourchaire halfway through the season. Since then, he has failed to achieve any podiums, and only has a handful of top 10 finishes.
In contrast, Lundgaard has excelled at Arrow McLaren. Replacing Alexander Rossi for the 2025 season, he has been a force to be reckoned with on track. His first season with the team saw him equal Pato O’Ward for podiums, six, but the win evaded him. Until the most recent round in Mid-Ohio, Lundgaard was also the only McLaren driver to be on the podium or take a win in 2026.
For Siegel, it seemed like only a matter of time until he lost his seat. But Lundgaard comes as slightly more of a surpise. However, Arrow McLaren are after an Indianapolis 500 win. Considering neither driver has strengths on oval racing, the decision isn’t too surprising. In 2027, all three drivers have shown their strength on ovals, and McLaren will hope this brings the 500 win.
A Returning Face and A Joining Legend
Replacing the pairing is Rosenqvist and Dixon. Whilst seats aren’t confirmed, they will join O’Ward for the full season. Ryan Hunter-Reay will also return as a fourth entry for the Indianapolis 500.
Rosenqvist returns to the team. After two years at Chip Ganassi Racing, he departed to make way for Alex Palou in 2021. He then joined Arrow McLaren. After staying there for three years, he left following 2023, once again making way for Palou. Palou never made the switch but Rosenqvist headed to Meyer Shank Racing. Now, he is set to return to the papaya team.
Dixon is a legend of INDYCAR. With six championships, 59 wins, and 143 podiums, he is one of the most decorated drivers in the series. Since joining, he has been with Chip Ganassi Racing. Together, they’ve set the standards over the last 24 years. In a shocking move, the Kiwi has opted to swap teams and have a new challenge with Arrow McLaren.
“I’m excited to return to Arrow McLaren next season and reunite with Pato, of course, and also Tony, Zak and the crew and engineers I worked with previously. There are a lot of familiar faces, and we’ve got an incredible lineup with Scott joining and Ryan returning for the 500. I think our collective experience will be a huge benefit.”
~ Felix Rosenqvist
“Joining Arrow McLaren in 2027 is an exciting next step in my career. It was a big decision for myself, for my family, and I’m looking forward to contributing to what the team, Zak and Tony are building there. As a New Zealander, being part of Bruce McLaren’s legacy will be special; his spirit and grit are still very much rooted in that team, and I’m excited to carry that on.”
~ Scott Dixon
Arrow McLaren Are Targeting The 500
Since permanently joining the grid in 2021, Arrow McLaren have been progressing and showing up as a front-runner team. However, one thing is evading them: the illustrious Indianapolis 500 win. O’Ward has gotten them close on many occasions, but to no avail.
Rosenqvist, Dixon, and Hunter-Reay have all tasted success at the 500. The trio have all excelled around ovals, and the hope is to bring that to McLaren. CEO, Zak Brown, shared that “we’ve got our eyes firmly set on the Championship as well as winning the Indianapolis 500 to secure the Triple Crown in the Papaya era.” This move shows their commitment to optimising every race on the INDYCAR calendar.
“It’s never an easy decision, but when you have the opportunity to bring drivers of this caliber into your team, you take it seriously. Scott’s accomplishments speak for themselves, Felix is this year’s 500 winner and consistently fast and competitive and Ryan has the experience and the capability to win the 500 again, without a doubt. Add that talent to what we have with Pato who’s knocking on the door of his own 500 win, and we’re the threat we’ve been building up to be in the championship and the 500.”
~ Team Principal, Tony Kanaan.
Whilst next year is confirmed, their eyes are still on 2026. Kanaan shared that they remain focused on Lundgaard and O’Ward’s championship fight. But, 2027 will be a new era for Arrow McLaren with a strong and successful line-up. Can it help them finally take that 500 win?