Linus Lundqvist impressed at IndyCar. He dominated his championship. However, he may miss a ruling until 2023.
He does not have the necessary financial resources.
– I hope they choose me because I’m good, says the Swede.
The 23-year-old from Stockholm made history when, two days ago, he won the Indy Lights, the main support class of the American IndyCar Championship. He took his fourth Formula 1 title in his career and is one step closer to the big goal – IndyCar. But the road there is difficult.
Although there is an interest.
– It’s almost ironic. I’ve spoken to all the stables in the depot and they’re all interested, especially from 2024 if the budget is right, explains Linus Lundqvist.
– But I need to manage next year.
Linus Lundqvist vs IndyCar 2021?
Lundqvist left Europe in 2020, when he won the British Formula 3 race and wanted to get into the American Formula car series, where his championship win gives him a scholarship for next year. For a talented driver with very limited financial support, it can be the difference between quitting or working. The Swede won the Formula One Americas regional race in 2020, had a good season in Indy Lights in 2021 and crushed every challenger during this year’s season.
It’s the first time I’ve run a tournament for two years in a row and before the season we decided to raise our bar. Nobody wins every race, but if you can finish fourth on a bad weekend, it goes a long way.
After 14 out of 14 races, he has nearly 100 points more than the runner-up in the championship.
– That means everything, now I’m enjoying this and the trip I’ve taken. It was never clear that I would be able to continue racing, an expensive sport. I have always relied on my results to move forward. That means there are opportunities for me to get into IndyCar, which is the next target, he says.
• But what does the grant mean?
– I get a shield and a ring, as well as a scholarship. It’s usually $1.2 million, but this year it hasn’t been decided yet. IndyLights has undergone a change of ownership so there is no exact amount. There should be a scholarship then we will see how much.
• Do you have an idea of enough?
– No, I don’t have a budget with me, I have a scholarship, but other than that they can take me because I’m good. I’m proud of the sponsors I own, but they just can’t reach the level needed to buy an IndyCar seat. I need to find a team that wants me to achieve my goals.
This week, last year’s champion Alex Palou was introduced to Chip Ganassi Racing and Felix Rosenqvist extended his contract with Arrow McLaren. When experienced drivers put their futuristic puzzle together, it usually has an impact on the rest of the field.
– I dare not believe Dale Coyne Racing could collaborate with my HMD Motorsport teams. Engine supplier Honda cannot supply more engines. This means that the team cannot increase the number of cars, Lundqvist explains.
Today, the team is led by Japan’s 45-year-old Takuma Sato, who won the Indy 500 and competed in Formula 1, and 21-year-old Dabid Malukas, who was second last season at Indelights.
• Victory has given you a super licence, which means you have the right to drive Formula 1…
– That’s right, I probably traded with Colton Herta. Give him my super license so he can drive Formula 1 and get his #26 car in IndyCar, laughs Linus Lundqvist.
– Of course it doesn’t work, but my absolute focus is steering in IndyCar until next year. Who said it has to be easy? It takes work, and I’m willing to put it aside. Hope we have a solution within a month.
In this case, there are three Swedish drivers in IndyCar 2023 – Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson 2022, Felix Rosenqvist who took two pole positions during the season and Linus Lundqvist – the talent who dominated the USA.