The paddock chatter at the mid-season mark—and on the eve of the Mid-Ohio GP—presents new details on the domino effect triggered by two major developments: Chip Ganassi Racing’s decision not to exercise its option to renew Scott Dixon, and Felix Rosenqvist’s previously announced departure from Meyer Shank Racing. In the end, the six-time series champion and the reigning Indy 500 winner are closing in on deals with McLaren, GRANDE PRÊMIO has learned.
With over two decades of service to Ganassi, Dixon no longer feels comfortable at the team where he captured his six titles, largely due to the financial heavy-lifting Chip Ganassi committed to Álex Palou. This includes the upwards of $28 million entangled in the legal imbroglio from the Spaniard’s maneuver four years ago, when he broke his Ganassi agreement to sign with McLaren before backtracking. While McLaren won the case in the High Court of London, Palou received an official slap on the wrist from Chip—making a contract renewal natural for both parties, not just because of the driver’s stellar performances, but also due to that multi-million dollar debt.
Dixon was not offered a salary commensurate with his years of success. As a result, the New Zealander has become a free agent, clear to talk to anyone. That is why, over the coming days—either at Mid-Ohio or shortly after—Dixon will meet with McLaren’s top brass to hear a proposal, or perhaps even receive a contract to sign. Scott is close friends with Zak Brown, CEO of the papaya operation, and Tony Kanaan, his former teammate.
An Offer Too Good to Refuse
It is understood that this is an unrefusable offer. McLaren would open doors for Dixon to reach even greater heights. The team is poised to enter the WEC in 2027. Based in Europe, it would be a seamless transition for the 46-year-old driver to represent the brand whenever there are no IndyCar schedule conflicts. Furthermore, his nationality aligns him with the founder, Bruce McLaren. Scott would make the perfect brand ambassador.
Dixon also brings invaluable experience toward McLaren’s ultimate goal in IndyCar: winning the Indy 500. While he might not match Palou’s outright pace at the moment, he is a master behind the scenes at fine-tuning race cars. He would bring something McLaren currently lacks: someone to help Pato O’Ward on the superspeedways. And in that regard, this surprisingly leaves Christian Lundgaard under threat.
Lundgaard’s two victories this season, at the Indianapolis road course and Road America, are highly valued by McLaren, but the general consensus is that the Dane still lacks proper development on ovals. While he has matched or even bested Palou on road and street circuits so far, Christian goes in the opposite direction when it comes to turning left. On top of that, playing the silly season market, he played hardball in contract extension negotiations—there is a 2027 renewal option that McLaren would have to exercise.
Thus, it becomes clear that a deal for Dixon would take Lundgaard’s seat, not Nolan Siegel’s. Siegel, of course, is already well aware that he won’t be staying, even if he offered the team a multi-million-acre estate of papaya plantations.
The Rest of the Grid
Siegel’s seat is highly coveted, but the trend is for it to go to someone who has already driven for McLaren: Rosenqvist. O’Ward’s best friend, the Swede has gained massive leverage since winning the Indy 500. In this sense, he fits perfectly into Zak Brown and Tony Kanaan’s vision.
The Swede, who snubbed a raise from Meyer Shank, is also in talks with Andretti for the seat currently occupied by Marcus Ericsson, who has been putting out feelers elsewhere to stay in IndyCar for 2027. However, the delay in an announcement suggests that the team, now managed by Dan Towriss, has some doubts—which might relate to Colton Herta and his failed bid to secure Super License points for F1 via a mediocre F2 campaign.
With nothing signed yet, the picture is expected to clear up by mid-July, likely before the Nashville GP. If Dixon and Rosenqvist’s moves to McLaren are finalized, plenty remains to be sorted out: who actually gets the Andretti seat? Is Marcus Armstrong the obvious favorite to replace Dixon at Ganassi? Will the ousted Lundgaard become a target for Meyer Shank—a team that appreciates a driver bringing a solid budget? Does Caio Collet stay at Foyt or look to poach a potential opening at Meyer Shank, potentially battling Ericsson for it?
And finally, Josef Newgarden: will he actually re-sign with Penske, or trigger an even bigger firestorm behind the scenes, allowing Felipe Nasr to dream bigger and bigger about a 2027 seat?
