Rosenqvist extends McLaren stay, either IndyCar or Formula E possible
Felix Rosenqvist has signed a multi-year extension to his McLaren deal, as the team assesses whether to keep the Swede in IndyCar or move him to its Formula E squad.
Rosenqvist's future at the team has been subject to speculation following the signing of Alexander Rossi to Arrow McLaren SP to partner Pato O'Ward, although the IndyCar team is currently planning a third entry for the 2023 season.
McLaren is also expanding its racing portfolio for next season, as it takes over Mercedes' Formula E entry for 2022-23.
The team announced on Thursday that it had signed a long-term powertrain deal with Nissan, but has not indicated which drivers will populate the team.
Rosenqvist is hence in consideration for a return to Formula E if he is not retained at Arrow McLaren SP, in which he had previously driven for Mahindra in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and won three races with the Indian squad.
He also competed in the 2018-19 season opener at Diriyah, as Pascal Wehrlein was unable to join Mahindra until the start of 2019.
“I’m delighted to be remaining with McLaren for 2023 and beyond," Rosenqvist said.
"With the team expanding into Formula E next season, it provides additional opportunities for me both in the USA and Europe and I look forward to being in a position to announce my plans in the coming weeks.
"I’ve loved my time with the Arrow McLaren SP Team in IndyCar driving the No.7 car and we’ve had some great moments together, including securing pole earlier this year in Texas and coming home P4 in the Indy 500.
"I’m excited and grateful to be given this opportunity to explore the new options available to utilise my experience to help McLaren start 2023 on the strongest possible footing.”
Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet
Photo by: IndyCar Series
Rosenqvist is currently eighth in the IndyCar standings, 90 points adrift of points leader and countryman Marcus Ericsson.
After leaving Formula E after two seasons, Rosenqvist joined Chip Ganassi Racing for two seasons, taking victory at Road America in 2020 over future team-mate O'Ward.
He was then replaced at Ganassi by eventual 2021 champion Alex Palou, and thus Rosenqvist replaced Oliver Askew - now of Avalanche Andretti's FE squad - at Arrow McLaren SP.
The 30-year-old was injured in a crash at Detroit that year and missed two races, with Askew and Kevin Magnussen substituting for him in the second Belle Isle race and Road America respectively.
“I’m delighted to be continuing our relationship with Felix," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. "He’s a fantastic racer, with a lot of experience in many different types of racing cars.
"As a proven race winner in both categories, it was important for us to secure his talent within the McLaren Racing family as we work to finalise our plans for 2023.
"His experience in Formula E would be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing but he has also made a fantastic contribution to our IndyCar team.
"I look forward to working together with him to finalise the best opportunity for him next season."
De Silvestro had to unlearn "bad habits" in adapting to modern IndyCar
The best of Chevrolet’s 101 IndyCar wins in the current era
Perez explains "pushing for nothing" Saudi F1 radio call
Perez explains "pushing for nothing" Saudi F1 radio call Perez explains "pushing for nothing" Saudi F1 radio call
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Perez cruises to Red Bull 1-2 as penalty denies Alonso podium
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Perez cruises to Red Bull 1-2 as penalty denies Alonso podium F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Perez cruises to Red Bull 1-2 as penalty denies Alonso podium
Can the W14 take Mercedes back to the top of F1?
Can the W14 take Mercedes back to the top of F1? Can the W14 take Mercedes back to the top of F1?
Horner: Perez's concerns over Verstappen Saudi GP pace "normal"
Horner: Perez's concerns over Verstappen Saudi GP pace "normal" Horner: Perez's concerns over Verstappen Saudi GP pace "normal"
FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi Arabian GP controversy
FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi Arabian GP controversy FIA to review rules after Alonso Saudi Arabian GP controversy
NASCAR Cup Atlanta: Logano takes first win of 2023 after last-lap pass on Keselowski
NASCAR Cup Atlanta: Logano takes first win of 2023 after last-lap pass on Keselowski NASCAR Cup Atlanta: Logano takes first win of 2023 after last-lap pass on Keselowski
Alonso gets Saudi F1 podium back after penalty ruling overturned
Alonso gets Saudi F1 podium back after penalty ruling overturned Alonso gets Saudi F1 podium back after penalty ruling overturned
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021 Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up? Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.