Arrow McLaren has announced the return of Callum Ilott for their onslaught later this month on the Indianapolis 500.

Ilott, a former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy who is competing this year in the 2024 World Endurance Championship with British squad Jota Porsche, found himself without a full-time IndyCar seat after Juncos Hollinger Racing opted not to renew his contract despite a strong showing in 2023.

However, McLaren stepped in to offer the Briton a lifeline. Ilott filled the gap left by David Malukas' pre-season wrist injury, starting the 2024 season with a respectable 13th place finish at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The 25-year-old also raced for McLaren in the non-championship round at The Thermal Club, but due to his commitments in the WEC, the team’s third seat was permanently assigned to Theo Pourchaire.

With the Sauber reserve driver unavailable for this month’s Indy 500, as he’ll be on call the F1 outfit in Monaco, McLaren has elected to draft in Ilott for IndyCar’s Blue Ribband event.

“It is any driver’s dream to race in the Indianapolis 500, and I’d like to extend a thank you to Zak, Gavin [Ward, team principal] and Tony [Kanaan, sporting director] for making this happen," said Ilott who clinched his maiden win last weekend in the WEC Spa 6 Hours in the #12 Jota Porsche.

"I’m grateful to step into this race with a familiar car and a familiar team now in Arrow McLaren.

“While our April Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was shortened by weather, the runs we did have were productive.

"I feel comfortable with the team and know that we can come together throughout the Month of May to put our best foot forward come race day.”

©McLaren

Ilott will be far from alone under the Arrow McLaren banner as he’ll be part of a four-car assault at the legendary Brickyard.

Team papaya’s line-u will also include NTT IndyCar Series regulars Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi, as well as NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who will be attempting an audacious double by competing in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same weekend.

“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season,” commented team principal Ward.

"He and the team got along well during the first two events of the season, and we’re looking forward to carrying that over here.

"I’m confident that Callum and the #6 NTT DATA Chevy team will be competing near the front of the grid during qualifying and on race day, just like the rest of our cars.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Bearman gives harsh verdict on Sao Paulo stand-in

Oliver Bearman got quite the early morning wake-up call on Friday in Sao Paulo when…

4 hours ago

Red Bull still 'looking at the facts' regarding Perez's performance

While his team mate Max Verstappen thrilled the fans with a run from 17th on…

6 hours ago

Sad Colapinto laments two crashes in one day in Sao Paulo

Williams suffered a bruising time on Sunday in Sao Paulo, with Alex Albon unable to…

7 hours ago

McLaren: No regrets over timing of Norris pit stop in Sao Paulo GP

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about their…

8 hours ago

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

10 hours ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

10 hours ago