Danica Patrick’s Historic Stat Resurfaces Amid McLaren’s Double Podium Finish
The 2025 IndyCar season has started with a mix of excitement and disappointment for Arrow McLaren. In the qualifying at the Thermal Club, the team had a strong showing. However, they faced challenges during the race, ultimately falling behind Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou. This has reignited discussions about the potential shift in the competitive landscape of IndyCar.
Additionally, a surprising statistic about Danica Patrick’s historic win has resurfaced. This has shed light on the ongoing struggles and successes of the No. 7 car. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this intriguing development.
The 2025 IndyCar Season: A Roller Coaster Start for Arrow McLaren
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Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard had a promising start to the season. They had a front row lockout in qualifying at the Thermal Club. However, their race results didn’t live up to expectations as they both fell behind Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing. Palou’s dominant performance, securing a more than 10-second victory, marks his second win of the season, setting a high bar for his competitors.
O’Ward and Lundgaard: Rising Stars in the Championship Standings
Despite the setback, both O’Ward and Lundgaard have showcased their potential. They now rank in the top four of the championship standings. Impressively, neither driver has placed lower than 11th in 2025, boasting a combined average finish of 6.0. Their consistent performance has sparked discussions about the possibility of Arrow McLaren joining the ranks of the Penske/Ganassi “big two,” potentially transforming it into a “big three.”
Pato O’Ward: A Consistent Contender
Pato O’Ward continues to be a formidable presence in IndyCar. After winning a career-high three races last year, he remains a regular top-five finisher in the championship standings. Although he has yet to make the leap to being a true championship contender, his consistent performance keeps him in the spotlight.
Christian Lundgaard: The New Hope for Arrow McLaren
Christian Lundgaard is proving to be a valuable addition to Arrow McLaren. After carrying the struggling Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team for three years, he has hit the ground running with his new team. Lundgaard’s impressive performance has placed him ahead of the entire Penske trio in the standings, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
The No. 7 Car: A Long Winless Streak
The No. 7 car, currently driven by Lundgaard, has been winless since Danica Patrick’s historic victory at Twin Ring Motegi nearly 17 years ago. This statistic is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the drivers of this entry. Lundgaard’s recent third-place finish marked the 15th different podium finish for the No. 7 car since Patrick’s win, but the elusive victory remains out of reach.
A Look Back at the No. 7 Car’s Podium Finishes
Since Patrick’s win, the No. 7 car has seen 284 races, with 264 featuring the entry. Patrick herself secured three podium finishes, including third place at the 2009 Indy 500 and second place finishes at Texas Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2010. Other notable drivers who have contributed to the No. 7 car’s podium tally include:
- Sebastien Bourdais: Three podiums in 2013 for Dragon Racing.
- Mikhail Aleshin: Second place at Houston in 2014 and Pocono Raceway in 2016.
- James Jakes: Third place at NOLA Motorsports Park in 2015.
- Marcus Ericsson: Second place at Belle Isle in 2019.
- Oliver Askew: Third place at Iowa Speedway in 2020.
- Felix Rosenqvist: Third place at Toronto in 2022.
- Alexander Rossi: Third place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2023 and Laguna Seca in 2024.
Teammates’ Triumphs: A Contrast in Success
While the No. 7 car has struggled to secure a win, its teammates have enjoyed considerable success. During the same period, the teammates of the No. 7 driver have accumulated a staggering 18 wins. Notable winners include:
- Pato O’Ward: Seven victories.
- James Hinchcliffe: Three victories.
- Tony Kanaan: Two victories.
- Ryan Hunter-Reay: Two victories.
- Simon Pagenaud: Two victories.
- Mike Conway: One victory.
- Marco Andretti: One victory.
The Future of the No. 7 Car: Can Lundgaard Break the Curse?
Christian Lundgaard’s recent podium finish has reignited hope for the No. 7 car. He is the ninth different driver to secure a podium since Patrick’s victory. Lundgaard has the potential to end the lengthy win drought.
With his impressive performance and the backing of Arrow McLaren, fans and analysts alike are optimistic about his chances of breaking the curse. They hope he can secure a long-awaited victory for the No. 7 car.
For more detailed insights and the full story, you can read the original article on Beyond The Flag.
