David Malukas Reflects on Tough Indy 500 Third Place Finish

David Malukas finished third in the 109th Indianapolis 500, marking a huge step forward after his challenging setback last year. Malukas, who had been expected to drive for Arrow McLaren in 2024, suffered a dislocated left wrist and torn ligaments in a mountain biking accident before the season began—a scenario highlighting the physical risks drivers face, as outlined in NHTSA’s motorsport safety guidelines.

Doctors later found the injury was more serious than first thought, and he lost his seat with McLaren without ever racing for them. He spent the early part of 2024 on the sidelines, missing half the season and watching the Indy 500 as a fan in the stands.

By summer of 2024, Malukas was able to return to racing. He joined Meyer Shank Racing for the last ten races of the year and then secured a multiyear contract with AJ Foyt Racing in August.

Starting the 2025 season with AJ Foyt, Malukas and his teammate Santino Ferrucci had a tough start. He only managed a best finish of 13th at St. Petersburg, while the team had not earned a top-10 result until the Indy 500.

That changed in the most important race of the year. At the Indianapolis 500, Malukas started seventh and quickly showed strong pace. He worked his way to the front of the pack, even leading the race for a time. In the closing laps, though, he slipped back to third as Alex Palou took the win and Marcus Ericsson claimed second.

After the race, Malukas was emotional as he reflected on his journey. He said, “This past year has been the hardest of my life—an absolute roller coaster. One year ago, I didn’t have a left hand, and I was just a fan watching the race. Now, I’m back and fighting for the win.”

He talked about how much the experience has changed him, saying that the difficulties have helped him grow up fast. Malukas credited the entire Foyt team for flawless pit work, great engineering decisions, and a car that put him in a position to contend.

His third-place finish also boosted the team, with Ferrucci coming home seventh. That result lifted spirits across AJ Foyt Racing, after months of frustration and bad luck.

Malukas said the strong performance brought much-needed morale, providing hope for the team as the season continues. “We really needed this. It’s a turning point for us. Morale is such a big deal and things had been going against us for so long. Now we can see what’s possible if we catch some breaks,” he explained.

He praised the work ethic and attitude of the crew and noted that many things can go wrong in a race as difficult as the Indianapolis 500, but this time “everything went forward for us.” Malukas expressed confidence that the momentum could lead to better outcomes in future races.

Finishing third at the Indy 500 showed the paddock that David Malukas remains a contender. After going from injury and uncertainty to standing on the podium at one of the world’s greatest races, he proved both to himself and to the racing world that resilience and teamwork pay off.

All eyes will be on Malukas and his AJ Foyt crew as they look to build on this result throughout the rest of the IndyCar season.