Ganassi confirms Lundgaard for No.9 IndyCar entry

The worst-kept secret in IndyCar has been confirmed by the Chip Ganassi Racing team, which has added Christian Lundgaard to the program on a multi-year deal as its new driver of the No. 9 Honda.

Lundgaard replaces the outbound Scott Dixon, who left the team after earning six championships and victory at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 while serving as the program’s most successful and longest-tenured driver.

Dixon’s decision to leave Ganassi and close his IndyCar career at Arrow McLaren coincided with Arrow McLaren’s call to split with Lundgaard at the end of his two-year contract. With one of IndyCar’s winningest seats in need of a talented solution, Ganassi chose the Dane to wield the No. 9 car alongside five-time champion Alex Palou and emerging prospect Kyffin Simpson.

“We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing,” Ganassi said. “We know he's capable of accomplishing even more in the NTT IndyCar Series, 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 caliber becomes available. Throughout our history, one of the things we've done best is identify young talent, help them maximize their potential, and develop them into championship contenders. We believe Christian has all the talent to be the next driver to do that.”

Lundgaard arrives at Ganassi after producing his best IndyCar finish, pushing the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevy to third in the championship behind Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood and Palou, who secured his fourth title in a row and fifth in a span of six years.

Lundgaard captured two wins in 2026, which brought his career tally to three after securing his maiden victory with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2023. With four poles and 16 podiums to his credit since embarking on a full-time IndyCar career in 2022, the 25-year-old has been on the rise as he’s gained experience.

The street course win with RLL and the two road course victories with Arrow McLaren speak to Lundgaard’s capabilities, and with a best start of eighth and top finish of seventh at the Indianapolis 500 in 2025 to complement his first oval podium this season at Milwaukee, oval racing is the last discipline for Lundgaard to master as he pursues his first championship.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season,” Lundgaard said. “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.”