The 22-year-old, who joined Arrow McLaren over the winter, underwent surgery on Tuesday afternoon to repair ligaments in his dislocated left wrist, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
The recovery timetable is estimated at six weeks once the stitches are removed on 22 February.
With the season starting in four weeks on 8-10 March on the Streets of St. Petersburg, it has forced Arrow McLaren to evaluate reserve driver options for its #6 Chevrolet-powered entry, which it will announce in due course.
“It’s just heartbreaking for David, of course, and our entire team,” said team principal Gavin Ward.
“We’ve seen how much work he and this entire group has put into preparing for his first season in papaya.
Source: Autosport