McLaren drops injured David Malukas from IndyCar lineup

Field Level Media|published: 04/29/2024, 1:09pm EDT

Sep 8, 2023; Salinas, California, USA; Indycar series driver David Malukas (18) speaks to announce his move to Arrow McLaren Racing for the 2024 season before free practice at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Arrow McLaren released David Malukas from his contact Monday after the IndyCar driver was not available for the first four races of the season because of a wrist injury that occurred during an offseason mountain bike accident.

Malukas was given his opportunity with Arrow McLaren last September when Alex Palou decided to not race for the team in 2024.

"The past three months have been challenging," Malukas said, according to F1.com. "... I've done everything possible to speed up the rehab process — treatments, physiotherapy, strength training — but my recovery has taken longer than anticipated."

Callum Ilott took over Malukas' seat for the first two races of the season — St. Petersburg, Fla., and Thermal, Calif. — while Theo Pourchaire raced for Arrow McLaren at Long Beach, Calif., and this past weekend at Birmingham, Ala.

At the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on Sunday, Pouchaire finished 22nd in a field of 27.

Arrow McLaren has not settled on a permanent driver for Malukas' seat. The team also races with drivers Alexander Rossi and Pato O'Ward, who won the season-opening race at St. Petersburg on March 10.

—Field Level Media