Arrow McLaren has released David Malukas from his contractual obligations with the team for the rest of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season.
David Malukas was released from Arrow McLaren’s IndyCar squad on Monday, with the team primarily basing the decision on his prolonged recovery period.
The 22-year-old was initially given a six-week window to return to racing after suffering a wrist injury in a mountain biking accident in February. However, his recovery has been longer than expected, and as a result he hasn’t been able to participate in any races in the 2024 season.
Malukas recently declared that he might not be prepared to race in the Sonsio Grand Prix at the IMS road course in two weeks, despite having only recently had the pins removed from his hand.
“The past three months have been challenging,” said Malukas in the release. ”I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to drive for Arrow McLaren and regret that it never materialized.
“I would have loved to have continued representing the team and its partners going forward. They have been good, and I appreciate all they have done for me.
“I’ve done everything possible to speed up the rehab process—treatments, physiotherapy, strength training—but my recovery has taken longer than anticipated. Every injury is different, and every body heals at a different pace.
“I’ll turn my full attention to getting back to 100 percent and then prove that I am ready and able to compete to win.”
Malukas signed with Arrow McLaren last September after spending his first two years racing under the joint venture of Dale Coyne Racing and HMD Motorsports. The Chicago native came in as a replacement for Alex Palou who reneged on a deal to race for the team in 2024.
He holds two podium finishes in his 34 career race starts, the second coming at Gateway where he finished third last year and second in 2022.
Malukas was set to embark on his third season in IndyCar when the injury sidelined him from events in St. Petersburg, The Thermal Club in Palm Springs, Long Beach and last weekend’s round at Barber Motorsports Park.
Former Juncos Hollinger IndyCar driver Callum Ilott initially took over Malukas’ seat at St. Petersburg and the non-championship event at The Thermal Club.
Theo Pourchaire took over from Ilott at both the Barber Motorsports Park round last weekend as he was unavailable to drive at that event due to his conflicting duties at the World Endurance Championship round in Long Beach.
McLaren is yet to confirm who will take over their their seat alongside Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi with the upcoming Indianapolis 500 likely being a concern, as the team will want to have a solid arrangement in place for the most important race on the calendar.
In a statement, the team revealed that they are wrapping up driver assignments for the remaining 2024 season and will confirm participation in future races on a later date.
