Driver’s dream deal after brutal McLaren axing

A “chaotic” IndyCar season has ended in delight for David Malukas after the rising star signed a lucrative multiyear deal with AJ Foyt Racing.
The 22-year-old was brutally fired by Arrow McLaren in April without running a race for the team.
Malukas was signed in September to McLaren’s three-car team after two-time series champion Alex Palou breached his contract and declined to join the team as planned.
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David Malukas prepares for practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Getty
But disaster struck when Malukas dislocated his wrist and tore tendons when he crashed on his mountain bike a month before the season-opening race.
The team expected the February 11 accident to keep Malukas out of two races, but he instead missed four in a row.
His absence triggered a contract clause that allowed McLaren to terminate the deal.
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“At the end of the day business is business,” Malukas said.
“They had obligations to hit. Obviously, with the injury, I couldn’t do it.”
Malukas returned to racing in June for Meyer Shank Racing but found another suitor.
David Malukas broke his wrist in a mountain biking accident. IndyCar
“David will be a great addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” team president Larry Foyt said.
“He is a fierce competitor who possesses a great deal of natural talent.
“I think David will be a super fit with our engineers and mechanics, and he will be an important factor as we continue to ascend the IndyCar rankings.”
David Malukas speaks at a press conference after signing with Meyer Shank Racing. James Black via IndyCar
Malukas expressed his delight after such a difficult year.
“For me, the 2024 season was very chaotic and did not go to plan, so I am looking forward to a new beginning. I am mostly looking forward to being a part of such a special team,” he said.
“Everyone knows that AJ is a legend and he was someone whose name I always heard growing up.
“To have the opportunity to work alongside him and drive for his team is very special. I am starting a new chapter in my IndyCar career, and I am eager to achieve strong results with AJ Foyt Racing.”
IndyCar’s next race is on Sunday (AEST) at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in Madison, near St Louis, Illinois.
Spain’s Palou leads the 2024 points race on 411 ahead of Australia’s Will Power (362) and New Zealand’s Scott Dixon (358).