Christian Lundgaard, the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet driver, qualified seventh for the Children of Alabama Grand Prix on Sunday, May 4, at Barber Motorsports Park, expressing clear disappointment with his team’s qualifying strategy. Despite being third in the championship standings, Lundgaard was unable to secure a stronger grid position, trailing behind Chip Ganassi’s Alex Palou, who set the fastest time of 1:07.2918 during qualifying.
The qualifying session saw Arrow McLaren drivers Nolan Siegel, Pato O’Ward, and Lundgaard take sixth, seventh, and eighth places respectively. While Siegel celebrated his maiden Firestone Fast Six appearance, and O’Ward remained upbeat despite limited practice time caused by an early crash, Lundgaard’s reaction was notably more reflective and concerned. Speaking after qualifying, he voiced frustration with the team’s strategic approach, which he felt did not maximize his potential or capitalize on his current standing.
This weekend’s round marked the fourth race in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series Championship, featuring a competitive 27-car grid fresh off testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As the lead Arrow McLaren driver, Lundgaard carries 96 points into Barber, demonstrating a solid season so far, including a third-place finish at the Thermal Club and consistent points finishes at St. Petersburg and Long Beach.
Arrow McLaren’s team principal, Tony Kanaan, highlighted the significance of Lundgaard’s presence on the squad, noting his long-term interest in the Danish driver. Having joined the team in 2025 after racing for Ed Carpenter Racing in previous seasons, Lundgaard was seen by Kanaan as a strategic acquisition, especially as a potential replacement should Alexander Rossi decide to move on.
The qualifying results at Barber Motorsports Park underscore ongoing challenges for Arrow McLaren to fully harness Lundgaard’s talent within the team’s framework. As the championship progresses, both driver and team face pressure to refine their strategies and improve race day performances. Lundgaard’s candid remarks after qualifying serve as a reflection of professional ambition coupled with the need for cohesive teamwork to achieve stronger results in upcoming rounds.
