"Used to think Americans were nuts doing 230 mph": Christian Lundgaard gets honest about his U-turn on IndyCar

Arrow McLaren star Christian Lundgaard began his professional single-seater racing career in Europe, which made sense since he was born and brought up in Denmark. However, he made the switch to IndyCar a few years back, and reflecting on the move, he gets honest about his U-Turn on the American open wheel racing series.

Christian Lundgaard raced in the Junior Formula series, including the Danish F4, Formula Renault, F3, and F2 championships, before making the move to IndyCar. The Danish driver was a part of the Alpine Academy, was one of the eye-catching drivers from the academy, but was beaten by another Alpine Academy driver, Oscar Piastri, to the F2 title.

After two seasons in the FIA F2 championship, Christian Lundgaard decided to make the move to IndyCar. He participated in one race during the 2021 season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and fell in love with the series. The Danish driver detailed how it reminded him of karting, where the racing was raw.

F1 Grand Prix of United States - Previews - Source: Getty

Detailing how he thought the IndyCar series was dangerous for the speeds that drivers race at to falling in love with the American open wheel racing series, Christian Lundgaard said,

“We took the decision to come over here and I wouldn’t quite say I’ve ever regretted that decision. Because I got that taste of that one [IndyCar] race in 2021, it reminded me of what I fell in love with in the sport and in go-karts. Everybody has a chance and it’s raw racing.” (via DIVEBOMB)

Explaining how every IndyCar race is similar to the recent F1 race at Interlagos, which was full of chaos, the Arrow McLaren driver said,

“I think that is what IndyCar has at every single race.There is this form of unpredictability that no one really can foresee what’s going to happen. That reminded me of go-karts, of what I fell in love with in the sport and enjoyed driving. I’m just happy because I get to enjoy what I fell in love with, versus having to manage tyres and just drive slow for no reason.”

“We used to think that the Americans were nuts driving 230 miles an hour. Now, I’m doing it myself and I’m like: ‘This is the coolest thing in the world.’” added Christian Lundgaard

Christian Lundgaard details why IndyCar is a great step for F2 drivers

Multiple F1 drivers who couldn't sustain in the series and F2 drivers have made the move to IndyCar. Marcus Ericsson and Romain Grosjean are examples of former F1 drivers who raced in IndyCar. From the current grid, Marcus Armstrong, Callum Ilot,t and Robert Shwartzman are all F2 drivers who made the move to the American open wheel racing series.

Detailing why IndyCar is a good step for the F2 drivers, Christian Lundgaard said,

"I can name a number of drivers that have done multiple years in F2, or even in F3, that run out of options. Where are they going to go now? IndyCar is a great option after that because it is still a step up and I feel like you kind of relearn all the fundamentals of racing. And it is at such a high level. From a European driver’s perspective, it is an awesome step to go to because you learn so much of racing.”

Dennis Hauger is also a former F2 driver who made the move to Indy NXT, won the championship in his rookie season, and has signed with Dale Coyne Racing’s IndyCar program for the upcoming season.