Former Ferrari Formula 1 protege's 'dream come true' to race alongside childhood hero
Marcus Armstrong was just three years old when Scott Dixon won his first IndyCar title.
Now, he's his teammate.
Dixon's illustrious career spanning more than two decades has taken him to six IndyCar Series championships, an Indianapolis 500 crown, and more than 50 race wins.
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His first came in 2003 with Chip Ganassi Racing, a team he's been tied to for 21 years.
Laurent Mekies (right) Ferrari Sporting Director talks with then-Ferrari academy driver Marcus Armstrong during Formula 1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Getty
Armstrong, born in 2000, spent much of his childhood watching Dixon succeed while chasing his own Formula 1 dream with Ferrari's junior academy.
The 22-year-old tested with the Scuderia and spent three seasons in Formula 2 but ultimately couldn't crack the big time of Formula 1.
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This year, Armstrong will drive for Chip Ganassi Racing in the IndyCar Series.
While the dream of Formula 1 has largely faded, IndyCar presents a new opportunity and a chance to try and emulate some of Dixon's success stateside.
Scott Dixon celebrates winning the IRL (Indy Racing League) in 2003 at the Texas Motor Speedway. Darrell Ingham via Getty Images
"I don't know if you know this, but Scott Dixon has been pretty successful here the past couple of decades," Armstrong laughed when asked about his arrival to IndyCar.
"I've been watching him on TV since I was a kid, so... Literally a kid.
"It's cool because IndyCar is massive where I'm from because of him.
"I've always been so attracted to this championship.
"Of course, I spent my entire life chasing F1.
"You can never say never. If I'm honest with you, I'm happy where I am now.
"It's a dream come true."
Kiwi ace Scott Dixon finished third in the IndyCar Series standings. Chris Owens
Armstrong joins arguably the strongest team on the grid.
With Dixon's six crowns, Alex Palou's sole series win in 2021, and Marcus Ericsson's Indianapolis 500 triumph on debut in 2022, it's an esteemed driver pool.
Armstrong will start from scratch, though he reckons there's no reason why he can't have similar success.
"Fundamentally, I need to get on it straight away," said Armstrong.
"I have all the information in the world really. Obviously (Palou has) won a championship. Scott has won more than a couple. Marcus (Ericsson) won the Indy 500.
"It's a very accomplished group. I have all the information to learn from, which is really cool.
Marcus Armstrong spent three seasons in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Clive Mason via Getty Images
"I just need to hit the ground running, do well immediately. That's my target and to maximize myself from the beginning.
"Obviously I understand how competitive this championship is, and I need to learn a new car with limited test days, but that's part of the challenge.
"Like I said before, the organization and the strategic view that Ganassi has, I think it's going to help me for that.
"I hope that we can hit the ground running, then see what we can do afterwards."
Pre-season IndyCar Series testing takes place on Friday and Saturday at The Thermal Club in California.
The season gets underway in earnest on March 6 on the streets of St. Petersburg.
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