Callum Ilott and Juncos Hollinger Racing have agreed to part ways with immediate effect, leaving uncertainty for both about the 2024 IndyCar season.

Ilott joined IndyCar for the final few races of the 2021 season, after having driven in Formula 2 and served as a test driver for the Ferrari F1 team.

He headed up JHR’s return to the top level of IndyCar by running without a team-mate for a season, then by helping Agustin Canapino get acclimated to the series this past year.

That relationship is coming to an end, however, as Ilott and JHR have mutually agreed to part ways just one year into a multi-year contract.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Juncos Hollinger Racing for the opportunity to be part of their team,” said Ilott in a press release.

“I have immense respect for the organization, and our time together has been a valuable experience. I look forward to exploring new opportunities and challenges in my racing career.”

Ilott’s relationship with JHR has been less than perfect, with multiple instances of a breakdown in driver-team trust making their way out into the public eye.

There were also multiple incidents of fan abuse against Ilott from his team-mate’s fan base, with the passionate Argentinian fans threatening him over social media in response to on-track incidents.

The team is thought to be courting Romain Grosjean to fill the #77 seat, but an announcement has not yet been made for next season.

Similarly, no announcements have been made regarding Ilott’s future, although he has expressed desire to stay in the IndyCar paddock despite the dwindling number of available seats.

“While it is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Callum Ilott,” said Ricardo Juncos, co-owner of JHR. “I would like to express my gratitude to Callum for all of his efforts during his time with our team, and we deeply appreciate his contributions.

“We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Callum has shown immense talent, and we have no doubt that he will continue to make his mark in the world of motorsport.”

Juncos Hollinger Racing has announced that Agustin Canapino will return to the team next season, driving the team’s #78 entry.

The Argentinian stock car driver turned open wheel racer completed his rookie season in IndyCar with JHR last year at 33 years old, with his best finishes being a set of 12th place efforts.

There was rumored to be quite a bit of uncertainty around Canapino’s return, with funding being the main concern.

But it appears that the small team has secured enough backing to be able to afford the tenured racer for another season, boosted in part by finishing both cars high enough in the points standings to earn the series’ Leader Circle funding for next year.

Canapino’s return will give him a chance to refine his skills and improve on what was a year spent getting used to cars and tracks that were entirely new to him.

“I am very happy to announce my continuation for 2024 in IndyCar with Juncos Hollinger Racing,” said Canapino. “Many thanks to Ricardo [Juncos] and Brad [Hollinger] for continuing to place their trust in me, and also to Hector Martinez Sosa, the Grupo Empresario Prieto and the INPROTUR for their support.

“After an incredible 2023 season, where we achieved good results, entered the Leaders Circle, and consistently delivered strong performances, all in my first year in a single-seater, I am filled with joy and motivation to have the opportunity to keep growing as a driver and contribute to the continuous and remarkable evolution of the team.

“For 2024, the mindset will be different. What was once filled with doubt and uncertainty will now be a relentless pursuit of improving day by day, seeking results and consistency in each race.

“Of course, we don’t forget that we are still a relatively new team competing against strong competitors, but we approach this challenge with the eagerness and hunger to aim higher every time. See you in St. Petersburg aboard the #78!”

Last season, JHR expanded to two cars for the first time, with Callum Ilott and Canapino behind the wheel of the two entries.

Ilott’s future has not yet been announced, and it is unknown if he will also be returning to JHR in 2024 in the team’s second entry.

The Briton was on the receiving end of a couple rounds of online abuse following racing incidents between him and his team-mate.

Those incidents did not sit well with Ilott, even though his team owner Ricardo Juncos mostly brushed the attacks off as common practice for South American sports fans.

The team will try to put those incidents behind it, however, and will focus on improving in the competitive IndyCar scene.

“Agustin’s incredible achievements on the track have not only exceeded our expectations but have also been a source of pride for our entire team,” said team co-owner Ricardo Juncos.

“His energy, dedication, and sportsmanship have united us and created a sense of camaraderie that is truly exceptional. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.”

Juncos Hollinger Racing has revealed an updated branding scheme ahead of the upcoming 2023 NTT IndyCar Series season.

The new look includes a new JHR logo written in fluorescent green, white, and silver, as well as a new bold livery on the team’s two cars.

The team has always included green in its liveries, but the modern look is decidedly different from past schemes.

“This is an exciting moment in our team’s journey and marks the beginning of a new chapter for us,” said JHR founder and co-owner Ricardo Juncos.

“We have a two-car team for the first time, a driver in Callum [Ilott] with huge potential, and a new driver in Agustín [Canapino] who has enjoyed great success in multiple other race series.

“We felt it was important to have a new identity to coincide with our status as a fresh and invigorated challenger, racing with Latin spirit and American pride.”

The team also has a new mission statement, with ‘The Power of Possibility’ reflecting the team’s self-described energetic approach to racing.

Callum Ilott will be running his second IndyCar season in the #77, and will be paired with Agustin Canapino in the #78, who is a rookie this season.

The 33-year-old driver has had many years of experience racing in his native Argentina, but this will be the first time he will be racing an open wheel car.

Canapino has tested with JHR a couple times, and was also the designated driver for the team’s exhibition runs on the streets of Argentina a couple months ago.

“It’s been great to see the team again for the first time since we ran our IndyCar exhibition in Argentina,” said Canapino. “They’ve given me a warm welcome and are a very good group of professionals. It’s an honour to work with them.

“I´m very excited about this new challenge and am busy preparing to the highest possible level –physically, mentally and technically. I want to give 100%. I’m happy and grateful for this opportunity.”