Summary

Scott Dixon must wait until 1 January 2027 to begin working with Arrow McLaren, with Chip Ganassi Racing enforcing a non-compete clause in his existing contract. Christian Lundgaard’s move in the opposite direction comes with a different approach: GRANDE PRÊMIO understands that McLaren released the Dane “without hard feelings”.

The two departures therefore have different consequences for the teams’ preparations for the next IndyCar season. Dixon has completed his final campaign with Ganassi but remains unavailable to McLaren through December, while Lundgaard leaves without a comparable barrier to starting his next chapter.

McLaren team principal Tony Kanaan acknowledged that Dixon’s delayed arrival is inconvenient. However, he accepted that the agreement signed by the six-time champion determines when the transition can begin.

“Obviously it’s not ideal, but it was a deal that he signed,” Kanaan told RACER.

Kanaan explained that McLaren would prepare for Dixon’s arrival so the team could introduce him to its facilities, personnel and car once he becomes available.

“In the meantime, we can’t do anything about it,” he added.

McLaren releases Lundgaard without a similar restriction

According to information obtained by GRANDE PRÊMIO, McLaren’s position on Lundgaard’s departure is one of “without hard feelings”. The team has released him to move on, allowing the Dane to begin his relationship with Ganassi without the waiting period imposed on Dixon.

That distinction matters because the two drivers are effectively exchanging teams. Dixon takes his championship-winning experience to McLaren, while Lundgaard inherits the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda that became synonymous with the New Zealander at Ganassi.

Lundgaard’s two-year McLaren contract has reached its conclusion. The team’s decision to move forward with a different line-up opened the way for the Dane to seek another opportunity, which has now become a multiyear agreement with Ganassi.

The confirmation of Lundgaard’s move alongside Álex Palou and Kyffin Simpson formalised a transfer that GRANDE PRÊMIO had revealed before the announcement.

Dixon’s arrival strengthens McLaren’s Indianapolis ambitions

Dixon will drive the No. 6 Chevrolet alongside Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist in 2027. His multiyear agreement brings six championships and an Indianapolis 500 victory to a team seeking to turn its investment into sustained success.

Rosenqvist also returns to McLaren after previously racing for the organisation from 2021 to 2023. Unlike Dixon, the Swede is available to begin his preparations before January.

Ryan Hunter-Reay will join the three full-season drivers for the Indianapolis 500. With Dixon winning the race in 2008, Hunter-Reay in 2014 and Rosenqvist in 2026, McLaren will field three previous winners alongside O’Ward.

The recruitment supports the organisation’s stated ambition to win at Indianapolis as part of its pursuit of the motorsport Triple Crown. Dixon’s arrival is an important part of that plan, even if his practical integration must wait until the new year.

Lundgaard inherits a major opportunity at Ganassi

Lundgaard arrives after finishing third in the 2026 championship, his strongest season in the series. Victories at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and Road America increased his career total to three wins.

Ganassi offers the Dane a proven championship-winning environment and a demanding reference in Palou. Taking over the No. 9 also means succeeding a driver who helped define the team’s modern history.

Dixon joined Ganassi in 2002 and won his six championships with the organisation. His departure ends that long partnership, but the remaining contractual restriction keeps him from beginning work for its rival until January.

McLaren’s release of Lundgaard allows his transition to proceed on a different timetable. Both teams have confirmed their new line-ups; the next stage is integrating the drivers who will carry those plans into 2027.

Indy today: FAQ

Is there an IndyCar race today?

No. The 2026 season has ended. The next race is the 2027 St. Petersburg Grand Prix on 7 March; the race’s start time has not yet been announced.

Who will replace Scott Dixon in Ganassi’s No. 9 car?

Christian Lundgaard. Ganassi confirmed his multi-year contract on 29 September, validating the move first revealed by GRANDE PRÊMIO in July. He will drive the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda alongside Álex Palou and Kyffin Simpson.

Where will Scott Dixon race in 2027?

Dixon will join Arrow McLaren after more than two decades with Ganassi. His departure opened the No. 9 seat now assigned to Lundgaard.

Why must Scott Dixon wait until January to join McLaren?

Ganassi is enforcing a non-compete clause in his existing contract, preventing him from starting work at McLaren before 1 January 2027.