22-year-old David Malukas has departed the Arrow McLaren IndyCar squad following an injury sustained in pre-season.
The Chicago native had joined McLaren over the winter following success at Dale Coyne Racing where he scored 2 podiums — he got both of them at Gateway in successive seasons.
However, his spell at Arrow McLaren was short-lived and never got the opportunity to race for the team. Malukas injuried his left hand and wrist during a mountain bike accident in the middle of February.
He stated on Twitter on Saturday that a return at the Indy GP was unlikely: “With pins just coming out a few days ago this is very unlikely just going day by day.”
His recovery from the nasty injuries has been taking longer than expected. An initial prognosis of 6 weeks has turned into 10 weeks and more.
With Malukas injuried, it has allowed Arrow McLaren to evaluate Callum Ilott and Theo Pourchaire.
Ilott, a former driver for Juncos Hollinger before they split at the end of last year, has WEC commitments this year but raced at St. Pete and Thermal.
At the last two events at Long Beach and Barber Motorsports Park, current F2 champion Theo Pourchaire has been giving an opportunity. The French driver finished a strong P11 at Long Beach 8 days ago.
McLaren had a clause in his contract where they could release Malukas if he failed to be back in the car by round 4, which turned out to be Barber.
David Malukas
“The past three months have been challenging. 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.”
