The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has announced a driver change that will go into effect after the 2024 season.
Arrow McLaren and Alexander Rossi announced they will mutually part ways after two seasons together and a pair of third-place finishes in 25 starts. Rossi has nine races remaining behind the wheel of the No. 7 entry.
“My time at Arrow McLaren, while it’s been only short two seasons, has been rewarding in many ways,” Rossi said in a statement. “I’m grateful to have been part of the team’s internal growth. The No. 7 crew is fantastic, and I’ve built a lot of long-lasting friendships with the team.
“Zak (Brown), Gavin (Ward), Tony (Kanaan), and I had many conversations over the last several months on my future with the team. We were not able to come to terms on a new deal, so the mutual decision to part ways is amicable. I’m very confident with current discussions in the paddock to land a new spot.
“I’ll have good news to follow soon, and meanwhile I’m focused on a top-five finish in the 2024 championship and a strong conclusion to my time in papaya.”
Before joining Arrow McLaren, Rossi spent seven seasons with Andretti Autosport. Rossi won eight races during his time with the team and finished a career-best second in the championship standings in 2018. This run includes victory in the 2016 Indy 500.
Arrow McLaren finalized its 2025 driver lineup
Shortly after announcing a mutual parting of ways with Rossi, Arrow McLaren finalized its driver lineup.
The IndyCar Series team announced Tuesday that Christian Lundgaard will take over the No. 7 Chevrolet. He will become teammates with Pato O’Ward and Nolan Siegel while helping form one of the youngest driver lineups on the grid.
Lundgaard, 22, made his IndyCar Series debut in 2021 with one start for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He drove the No. 30 entry full-time for the team in 2022. He switched to the No. 45 entry in 2023.
Lundgaard has celebrated one win in his career, which he captured at Toronto last season. He also has two podium finishes on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
“I’m excited to have my plans set for 2025 and beyond, and I’m thrilled it’s with Arrow McLaren,” Lundgaard said in a statement. “I have a lot of respect for Zak, Gavin, Tony, and the team, and I think Pato, Nolan and I will work well together.
“I’m focused 100% on finishing this season strong with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. We have a lot of the season left, but this is a huge weight off my shoulders that will hopefully let me compete at my best the next nine races.”