McLaren signs six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon in blockbuster 2027 lineup

McLaren has landed six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon in a seismic 2027 lineup overhaul, pairing the incoming Kiwi legend with reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist and Pato O'Ward. The blockbuster moves confirm the Papaya squad is going all-in to capture American open-wheel racing's biggest prizes.

Why it matters:

Dixon's arrival instantly arms McLaren with championship-winning pedigree and deep ties to the team's New Zealand heritage through founder Bruce McLaren. Combined with Rosenqvist's return fresh off a dramatic Indy 500 photo finish, the roster gives Zak Brown the experience and chemistry he believes can finally deliver titles and Indianapolis glory.

The details:

• Dixon will depart Chip Ganassi Racing after the 2026 season, ending a 23-year stint that yielded six crowns, 58 wins, and the 2008 Indy 500. He will trade his iconic No. 9 Honda for a Chevrolet-powered McLaren.
• Rosenqvist rejoins the team after his spell at Meyer Shank Racing, signing a multi-year deal following his narrow Brickyard triumph over David Malukas.
• The reshuffle spells the end of McLaren drives for Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard. Meanwhile, sporting director Ryan Hunter-Reay—the 2014 Indy 500 winner—will make a one-off entry at Indianapolis.
• Brown hailed the lineup's momentum, stating the squad has its "eyes firmly set on the Championship" and the Triple Crown.

What's next:

Chip Ganassi Racing now faces the daunting task of replacing a living legend ahead of 2027, while McLaren must integrate its new stars into a cohesive title push. If the pieces gel, this could be the lineup that finally converts McLaren's IndyCar potential into championship hardware.