INDIANAPOLIS – Canadian Indy car competitor James Hinchcliffe won’t be a part of Arrow McLaren SP when the NTT IndyCar Series begins March 15 in St Petersburg, Fla.
The team, previously known as Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports prior to announcing a partnership with McLaren earlier this year, revealed Wednesday that Hinchcliffe wouldn’t return to the team next season.
Hinchcliffe joined the team in 2015, scoring three wins as well as the 2016 Indianapolis 500 pole during his tenure with the team. He remains under contract with Arrow McLaren SP, but is free to seek other driving opportunities.
Arrow McLaren SP also confirmed Wednesday that Oliver Askew and Pato O’Ward would drive for the team full-time next year.
“James has been a great ambassador for our team, and for the sport, over the last five years,” said Arrow McLaren SP co-owner, Sam Schmidt. “Our history dates back to his early days in Indy Lights and we’ve been on a tremendous journey together. Most impressive was James’s determination to come back after his accident in 2015. I have the utmost respect for James and would like to thank him for his hard work and accomplishments during that period and wish him well in his future endeavors.
“We recognize that James is a fiercely motivated and determined competitor, and we won’t hesitate to release him unconditionally to secure another drive, whether in IndyCar or another series.”
“James’ passion for the team has been crucial in our development since he joined us in 2015,” noted Arrow McLaren SP co-owner, Ric Peterson. “His perseverance and teamwork led us to three wins and an Indianapolis 500 pole position. James has been a big part of our growth over the last five years and I’d like to personally thank him for everything. On behalf of the entire team, we wish him all the best moving forward.”