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David Malukas’ official debut as a McLaren driver is on hold thanks to an off-season injury
David Malukas will miss his Arrow McLaren debut in the IndyCar opener at St Pete due to a mountain bike injury, with an estimated return date set for April 4 after recovering from torn ligaments in his hand. This means he will also miss the non-championship event for $1 million at the Thermal Club track in late March but is expected to return at Long Beach on April 19-21. McLaren is evaluating stand-in options following the injury news, with Malukas expressing disappointment and determination to get back on track. The team is focused on supporting his recovery, acknowledging the setback but looking forward to success when Malukas returns. Malukas, set to start his third IndyCar season, was chosen to drive the #6 car for McLaren after a rapid driver search last year, with potential replacements for St Pete including Zach Veach and Oliver Askew. McLaren’s history of creative injury replacements, like Kevin Magnussen in 2021, adds intrigue to the search for Malukas’ stand-in.
