Ilott is set to step into the driver’s seat for the No. 6 Chevrolet-powered entry in the upcoming IndyCar event, replacing David Malukas who is recuperating from surgery on his left wrist.
The 25-year-old British driver previously filled in for Malukas during pre-season testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway after Malukas sustained the injury while mountain biking.
Having already amassed 36 IndyCar starts over the past three seasons with Juncos Hollinger Racing, Ilott brings valuable experience to the team, having secured five top-10 finishes during his tenure. Furthermore, he boasts Formula 1 experience, having served as a test driver for Ferrari and a reserve driver for Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber) in 2021.
Expressing empathy for Malukas and the team, Ilott remarked, “Obviously I feel sorry for David and the team. It’s not easy to be in this position especially just ahead of the start of the season. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery.”
The arrangement with Ilott is temporary, as stated by Arrow McLaren, which mentions ongoing evaluation of driver options for future tests and races as Malukas recuperates.
Although Ilott confirmed there’s no conflict for him to participate in IndyCar’s non-points exhibition at The Thermal Club on March 24, his participation status for the event remains uncertain.
When queried during media availability by Motorsport.com about his IndyCar participation alongside his commitments in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Ilott indicated he could potentially compete in 11-12 races if necessary.
Currently competing in the 2024 World Endurance Championship with Jota Sport in the Hypercar category, Ilott secured a podium finish in the season-opening race in Qatar driving the Porsche 963.
Ilott found himself displaced from his IndyCar ride at Juncos Hollinger Racing due to Romain Grosjean’s arrival, following the departure of the ex-Formula 1 racer from Andretti Global last year. The team had already secured the services of Agustin Canapino, a former Argentinian Touring Car standout, necessitating Ilott’s departure.
Reflecting on the situation, Ilott mentioned, “I was expecting to stay in IndyCar, that was the original plan, and circumstances changed as they sometimes do in life.”
His full-time campaigns with Juncos saw him finish 20th and 16th in points, with the decision to part ways being described as mutual. Despite parting with the team, Ilott achieved his career-best fifth-place finishes in 2023, notably at the St. Petersburg street race and the Laguna Seca finale, races where he will now compete with McLaren.