David Malukas has signed a multi-year contract to race for McLaren, taking up the seat Alex Palou turned down.
Palou was anticipated to affix McLaren after signing for them final yr. That provoked a authorized battle between the group and Palou’s Ganassi squad.
Nonetheless, final month, Palou signalled his intentions to not honour his contract with McLaren for 2024 and stay with Ganassi. Nonetheless a emptiness has appeared at McLaren’s three-car group as Felix Rosenqvist’s departure to Meyer Shank Racing was confirmed earlier this week.
Malukas, who spent his second season with Dale Coyne Racing this yr, has now been introduced as Rosenqvist’s within the seat initially supposed for Palou. He’ll race alongside the group’s present drivers Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi in 2024.
“I can’t wait to race in papaya subsequent season,” Malukas stated. “McLaren has been a risk to the highest contenders all season lengthy and I’m excited to affix the group and see what their Chevrolets can do. Pato and Alexander each know what it takes to win, so will probably be enjoyable racing alongside them and studying from them as properly.”
McLaren IndyCar racing director Gavin Ward stated McLaren had been “extraordinarily impressed with how shortly David has gotten up to the mark in IndyCar” since his debut final yr.
“At 21, he’s already one of many strongest oval racers within the discipline and his competitiveness on highway and avenue programs has been steadily bettering. That pace mixed with a superb perspective and work ethic makes us thrilled to have him be part of the group.”
Since making his debut within the championship final season, Malukas – the youngest driver in IndyCar – has taken two podium finishes, each on the Gateway oval races. He beforehand took the runner up place within the Indy Lights championship to Kyle Kirkwood earlier than his rookie season final yr.
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