Arrow McLaren has had their No.6 car on rotation between multiple drivers especially since the injury of David Malukas. In May 2024, Arrow McLaren brought on Théo Pourchaire to fill his seat as Malukas was unable to drive. Recently, Pourchaire was dropped, marking a third driver for the same car in the same season.
This decision came as a shock to fans and the motorsport community alike. Prompted by the sudden signing of 19-year-old Nolan Siegel, he will be driving the car for the rest of the 2024 season and beyond per his contract.
Théo Pourchaire pictured above. Via McLaren.
Siegel is set to start racing in his home state of California at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.
Nolan Siegel pictured above. Via McLaren.
Pourchaire had only been in the third seat for about a month before McLaren decided to call it quits in late June. Gavin Ward, Team Principal of Arrow McLaren, stated this change was made for further stability and that Siegel will be able to achieve this. Although Pourchaire was performing quite well for someone who filled the seat on short notice, it will be exciting to see how Siegel compares and why McLaren opted for the 19-year-old.
Although Pourchaire is the reigning F2 champion, Siegel has a pretty impressive resume as well. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 on his first attempt and has had exceptional qualifying runs at the Indy 500.
Siegel pictured above winning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2.
Let’s take a look at Siegel’s performance at his first Indycar race in Monterey and Pourchaire’s performance overall.
During practice 1 in Monterey, Alexander Rossi and Pato O’Ward placed in the top 10 with Siegel placing at the bottom. The results are pictured below.
Via Arrow McLaren instagram.
In practice 2 and qualifying, similar results occurred.
Pourchaire on the other hand would place near or above his teammates as pictured below at the Detroit Grand Prix.
It is important to note that it is early to believe anything regarding Siegel’s performance, especially after one race. After the demanding events after winning Le Mans, it will take time for him to adjust. Only McLaren knows why they signed Siegel and dropped Pourchaire. Until then, it is important to sit tight and look forward to future races.
The injury of David Malukas created a ripple effect with numerous drivers fielding the No.6 McLaren. Fortunately, Malukas has recovered and is back to racing with Meyer Shank Racing for the rest of 2024. It will be interesting to see what will happen during the rest of the season. Stay tuned!
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