Arrow McLaren has put its star of the 2026 IndyCar season, Christian Lundgaard, in a bizarre spot about his future. He is reportedly set to be replaced by six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon in 2027, in what is said to be a done deal.

Reporter Marshall Pruett, in a video on his YouTube channel on Thursday, made this confirmation, saying:

"He's (Dixon) going to Arrow McLaren. It's not a question. It's a fact. Waiting for the official confirmation."

If this is how far the Dixon contract talks have progressed, one would think Lundgaard would be free to explore his options. Unfortunately not. While speaking with the media on Friday at Mid-Ohio, the No. 7 Arrow McLaren driver was asked if he'd started talking to other teams:

"Not allowed," he replied.

When asked by Indy Star's Zion Brown whether there was a certain date after which the team would free him to do so, he replied:

"Not in the near future."

Meanwhile, Scott Dixon, in another interview with Bob Pockrass, stated that he is expecting a decision on his new contract on Monday. This means Lundgaard would then officially become a free agent next week.

Christian Lundgaard puts up stoic front amid IndyCar contract uncertainty: "Nothing I can change"

Christian Lundgaard looked in control of whatever emotion he was feeling at Friday's media bullpen at Mid-Ohio. Naturally, most questions were about his future in IndyCar and Arrow McLaren's controversial to-be driver decision.

The Danish driver shared his mindset about this shake-up around him and, in a video shared by Frontstretch on X, said:

"In my situation, okay, whatever is going on behind the scenes, whatever decision other people are making is not my decision, right? So I'm just gonna keep doing what I'm doing and let the results speak for themselves."

He was then asked by a reporter about how Arrow McLaren team principal Tony Kanaan has talked about having race winners at the team, something that Lundgaard has already shown this year by winning two races, while his teammates have won none.

"I'm doing what I was told I needed to do," came the reply from the No. 7 Chevrolet driver.

Lundgaard has been the best-performing driver for Arrow McLaren in 2026. After 10 of 18 races, he is fourth in the championship standings. Teammates Pato O'Ward and Nolan Siegel are behind him in fifth and 21st respectively.

What are your thoughts on this bizarre driver contract situation at Arrow McLaren? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Yash Kotak

Edited by

Yash Kotak