Updated

Updated · Motorsport.com · Jul 5

Pato O'Ward Claims 10th Career IndyCar Win at Mid-Ohio as Arrow McLaren Secures 1-2

Updated

Updated · Motorsport.com · Jul 5

Pato O'Ward Claims 10th Career IndyCar Win at Mid-Ohio as Arrow McLaren Secures 1-2

Q: Why is Arrow McLaren replacing its race-winning driver after a historic 1-2 team finish?

Arrow McLaren appears to be making a strategic lineup decision, not reacting to Mid-Ohio’s result. Christian Lundgaard’s second-place finish in the team’s historic 1-2 only sharpened the tension, but the broader reporting indicates the team has already opened the door for him to leave in 2027 while it pursues a starrier veteran lineup around Pato O’Ward. The key reason is market opportunity. Multiple reports say Scott Dixon is expected to leave Chip Ganassi Racing and join Arrow McLaren, with Felix Rosenqvist also strongly linked to a return. If that happens, Arrow McLaren would be choosing proven, high-profile veterans with championship and marquee-race credentials over continuity, even though Lundgaard has been one of its best performers this season. That is what makes the move notable. Lundgaard is not being pushed out for poor form. He has been one of McLaren’s strongest road-course drivers, has wins this season, took pole at Mid-Ohio, and sits ahead of O’Ward in the championship. The team also reportedly held an option on him, yet granted him permission to speak with rivals, signaling that the decision is driven by roster reshaping rather than results. In practical terms, Arrow McLaren seems to believe Dixon’s pedigree and Rosenqvist’s value, combined with O’Ward as the long-term centerpiece, offer a stronger 2027 package. Lundgaard’s likely exit is therefore less an indictment of his performance than a consequence of McLaren’s aggressive pursuit of elite-name talent.

3 articles · Updated · Motorsport.com · Jul 5

Less than 1 second separated Arrow McLaren teammates at Mid-Ohio, where Pato O'Ward beat Christian Lundgaard by 0.9877 seconds for his first 2026 victory.
Lap 43 proved decisive after O'Ward passed pole-sitter Lundgaard; the pair started 1-2 and finished 1-2 in a caution-free 90-lap race.
Kyle Kirkwood took third for Andretti Global, with Rinus VeeKay fourth and championship leader Alex Palou fifth for Chip Ganassi Racing.
The win was O'Ward's first podium of 2026 and the 10th of his IndyCar career, tying him with Pete DePaolo and Jimmy Vasser for 40th on the all-time list.