Linus Lundqvist Makes it in America by Peter Windsor

Although Linus Lundqvist won the British F3 Championship with Double-R in 2018, his career thereafter seemed destined to hit a familiar brick wall: without huge financial backing, he was unlikely to be able to take the FIA F3-F2 feeder steps into F1. Undoubtedly he had the talent; what he lacked was the large-scale sponsorship that eludes so many young drivers in Europe. And so he took a major decision: he would forsake his home and head for Indy, via the scholarship programme that rewards talent in the USA with serious money. In 2020 he won Formula Regional Americas series. In 2022 he was victorious in the Indy Lights series. And in three late-season Indycar races in 2023, with Meyer Shank, he impressed enough people to earn a ride in 2024 with Chip Ganassi Racing. With a stunning late-race pass of team-mate Alex Palou (in Alabama, on April 28) Linus stepped onto the podium - alongside the two Penske drivers (Scott McLaughlin and Will Power) - after only the fourth race in his first full season. Peter spoke to Linus a couple of days later - about racing in America, about ovals and the upcoming Indy 500 and about his upbringing in Europe, focused as it was around the combined talents of Double-R's Anthony "Boyo" Hieatt and the famed driver coach, Rob Wilson.
This interview was first aired in our May 01 livestream
Linus Lundqvist - thanks for your time
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Nick: you're always with us

[@nnonotnow]

23 of the 32 IndyCar drivers are international. Have some great drivers there. Good competition, great to see it

[@GregBrownsWorldORacing]

I live in Indiana, It's great to have Linus as an honorary Hoosier. I wish him the best at the Brickyard. 'Tis the month of May, you know!

[@RAZAPOKE]

I’ve been watching Linus since Indylights and I knew right then that he was going to make to the big leagues soon. What a great driver 👍👍👍

[@don7680]

Kids doing a great job. Landed a prime seat.

[@parkebridgeman7223]

Indycar has been my favorite Motorsport series since 2020 so I’m glad more people are getting into it from the international side.

[@yelapa999]

Chip Ganassi is unmatched in picking drivers. Thanks for this.

[@aniketmeshram6598]

What was the name that Peter mentioned in 16:06

[@RzVa317]

@@aniketmeshram6598 theo pourchaire

[@GregBrownsWorldORacing]

And he always has fast stuff.

[@DonHuff]

Sounds like a fine young man with his head in a good space.

[@Dipper88]

Indycar is so entertaining at the minute. So competitive too. Andy of maybe 15 drivers could win the race oknany given day

[@413TomaccoRoad]

He got Alex's sponsor too.

[@michaelambrus3051]

Where is the Newey video Peter? :D

[@Joescuderia]

Who the heck is linux vandelquist?

[@David-vz5hg]

Did Rob Wilson teach at Scorpion Thruxton in the 1970's

[@fintonmainz7845]

I'd love to hear more about f1 driver's experience on ovals.

[@GregBrownsWorldORacing]

Well there's Mario, Emmo, JPM, & lately Rossi, Grosjean & Marcus... You could probably find Roberto Moreno if you really wanted. I guess we could throw in Pietro if you count part time in a HAAS & Max Chilton.
Having listened, it's just a different skill set one must perfect. Holding that car on a knife edge on an oval for 500 miles, with the fence there for track limits has got to be a mental challenge as well. Emmo said ovals are more difficult. I'm not really in a position to argue with the man

[@oliverwells7342]

Indycar best series for open wheel but let’s get rid of fuel saving.

[@yerrie1908]

short corner driver 😂 oh man Peter educating the new fans, it’s bad really bad