IndyCar rookies bring strong resumes, loads of promise
By Joe Capraro
IndyCar 2022 rookies: No. 1 – Christian Lundgaard
At just 20 years old, Christain Lundgaard will be the second youngest driver in the field this season. But the Danish sensation lacks neither experience nor accomplishment, with four karting championships and two F4 titles to his name.
He progressed steadily through Formula 3 and Formula 2, racing full-time for ART Grand Prix the past two seasons. His best season on his way up was in 2018 in Formula Renault Eurocup, where he won four races and finished in second place in the championship to Max Fewtrell.
Lundgaard won twice in Formula 2 in 2020 and finished in seventh place overall, but he slid to 12th with just two podium finishes last season. He remains a part of Formula 1’s Alpine Academy, but he is lodged solidly behind Oscar Piastri and perhaps also Victor Martins in their unofficial hierarchy.
The son of 2000 European Rally Champion Henrik Lundgaard, Christian made his IndyCar debut last year in the #45 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, qualifying in fourth place and finishing in 12th.
There’s no denying Lundgaard’s speed and raw potential, but his unfamiliarity with the North American tracks will hurt him. He’s no doubt currently logging ridiculous hours in the simulator in an effort to learn the IndyCar series courses, but there is no substitute for track time.
He will do best to lean on teammates Graham Rahal and Jack Harvey, who moves over from Meyer Shank Racing to make room for Simon Pagenaud in the #60 Honda. Of this year’s rookie class, Lundgaard may have both the highest ceiling and the lowest floor.