Felix Rosenqvist Emerges as IndyCar Star with Meyer Shank Racing

Felix Rosenqvist, once known as the favorite teammate and sidekick to established stars, has embarked on a transformative journey in the IndyCar series. From his early days as an understudy to Scott Dixon at Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) to his current role as a team leader at Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), Rosenqvist’s career shows his resilience and adaptability.

Rosenqvist’s journey in IndyCar began in 2019 when he graduated from Indy NXT to IndyCar. He joined Chip Ganassi Racing and spent two years as a teammate to Scott Dixon, a future six-time champion.

Despite being in Dixon’s shadow, Rosenqvist’s talent was clear. He earned a lucrative offer from Arrow McLaren in 2021 and formed a strong bond with teammate Pato O’Ward, who was already a top driver.

While at Arrow McLaren, Rosenqvist experienced both highs and lows. In 2021, O’Ward finished third in the championship, while Rosenqvist secured eighth place.

The following year saw a more balanced performance between the two, with O’Ward finishing fourth and Rosenqvist eighth. However, a disappointing 2023 season, where Rosenqvist dropped to 12th in the standings, signaled the need for a change.

In 2024, Rosenqvist made a pivotal move to Meyer Shank Racing, a team eager to reboot after several lackluster seasons. Paired with rookie teammate Tom Blomqvist, an IMSA DPi champion, Rosenqvist was thrust into a leadership role for the first time.

The initial results were promising, with Rosenqvist holding fifth in the championship after the first three races. However, a blown engine at the Indy 500 marked the beginning of a decline, and he finished the season in 12th place.

The 2024 season proved to be a learning experience for Rosenqvist. He recognized the need to address certain shortcomings and began to immerse himself in the technical aspects of racing.

*All this technical stuff I’m learning, I see it as a strength,* Rosenqvist remarked. He emphasized the importance of understanding every facet of the car and race strategy.

Entering the 2025 season, Rosenqvist has shown remarkable growth. Working closely with Ross Bunnell, Dixon’s former race engineer, Rosenqvist has elevated his technical knowledge and racecraft.

This collaboration, along with a new technical alliance with CGR, has transformed the No. 60 Honda into a formidable contender. Rosenqvist currently sits fourth in the championship, ahead of both Dixon and O’Ward.

Rosenqvist’s leadership extends beyond his technical expertise. His relationship with new teammate Marcus Armstrong, who joined from CGR, has been mutually beneficial.

Armstrong, despite some early-season setbacks, has pushed Rosenqvist to improve in all areas. *He’s very hard working in the truck between sessions, with his engineer. He’s just always flat out, working between the sessions,* Rosenqvist noted, highlighting Armstrong’s relentless work ethic.

One of the key areas where Rosenqvist has made significant strides is in race strategy. Working with MSR COO Adam Rovazzini, who also serves as his race strategist, Rosenqvist has taken a deeper dive into the complexities of race strategy.

*Going into the week, I’m studying the strategy aspect more than anything,* he explained. He underscored the importance of mastering the strategic elements that can make or break a race.

As Rosenqvist celebrates his 100th IndyCar start at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, he reflects on his journey and the lessons learned. *Having been around the block a little bit, this is a full-circle moment, being back with CGR in a way through our alliance with them,* he said.

While his decision to leave CGR for McLaren may not have been the best, it ultimately led him to a place where he could grow and thrive.

The Road to Championship

Rosenqvist’s story is far from over. With the support of his team and a renewed focus, he is on his way to becoming a championship contender.

*We all sat down and said, ‘We have shown all these flashes, but how do we tie everything together? What do we truly need to work on here?’* he recalled. He emphasized the collective effort required to achieve success.

For more detailed insights into Felix Rosenqvist’s journey and his current season, you can read the full article on RACER by clicking here.