Arrow McLaren releases Malukas from IndyCar duties

©Arrow-McLaren

Arrow McLaren announced on Monday that it has released David Malukas from his contractual duties with the team for the remainder of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season.

Arrow McLaren justified its decision by Malukas being unavailable for the entirety of the season to date, with no confirmed return date, as a result of a left wrist injury, which occurred last February in a mountain biking incident.

Malukas joined the team in September 2023 - as a replacement for Alex Palou who reneged on a deal to race for the team in 2024 - and was set to embark on his third season in IndyCar when his wrist 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.

“The past three months have been challenging,” commented Malukas. “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.

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“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.”

Callum Ilott subbed for Malukas in the first two races while Sauber F1 reserve Theo Pourchaire filled the seat while making his IndyCar debut in Long Beach, the Frenchman also running with the team last weekend in Alabama.

McLaren has said that it is in the process of “finalizing its driver assignments for the remainder of the 2024 season and will announce confirmations for upcoming races in due course”.

Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi remain the team’s two main contenders in IndyCar.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.