By: Spencer Neff
April 18, 2024

While Arrow McLaren driver David Malukas continues to recover from a wrist injury suffered during an offseason bicycle crash, Arrow McLaren will have a new driver for the No. 6 entry at this weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Callum Ilott, who drove the No. 6 at St. Petersburg, Thermal and the Indianapolis 500, is unavailable due to a prior racing commitment.

Théo Pourchaire, the 2023 F2 Champion, will make his INDYCAR debut as driver of the No. 6 entry this weekend. The Grasse, France native has been a reserve driver for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber this season.

“This is an amazing opportunity to drive with such a legendary team in a legendary motorsport series like the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Pourchaire exclaimed in today’s announcement.

” I’ve watched INDYCAR since I was a young kid, and the racing is incredible. I was thrilled to get the call from the team. I’m grateful that Zak, Gavin and Tony thought of me for this opportunity and for the team at Sauber to allow me to get on track at Long Beach. I am also sorry that the opportunity came as David continues to recover. It’s not going to be an easy task, but I’m ready for it.”

Pourchaire won two races while driving for ART Grand Prix in F2 last season. He also is youngest winner in both F2 and F3.

“Théo may be an unexpected driver in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock this season, but we’re excited to see what he can do on the track in Long Beach and are thankful for Sauber in working with us to make it happen,” Arrow McLaren Team Principal Gavin Ward remarked.

“He has a strong resume, especially for his young age, and he’s eager to work with us and put his driving to the test this weekend.”

The driver of the No. 6 entry for next week at Barber Motorsports Park “will come in due course”, per Thursday’s press release.

Header Image By Arrow McLaren