McLaren’s reserve driver, Pato O’Ward, will be driving the MCL38 during the FP1 session at the Mexico City Grand Prix. O’Ward, known for his success in IndyCar, has previously participated in development tests and the 2021 young driver test in Abu Dhabi. He also drove in FP1 during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends in 2022 and 2023. O’Ward expressed his excitement to drive in front of his home crowd, calling it a dream come true and thanking the McLaren team for the opportunity.
O’Ward is currently sixth in the 2024 IndyCar Series standings with 419 points and three wins over 16 starts. His focus is on the upcoming Nashville IndyCar race before traveling to Europe to begin his Formula 1 duties. He aims to help McLaren in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships as they compete against Red Bull. The current F1 drivers’ standings show Max Verstappen leading, followed by Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and others.
The announcement of O’Ward driving in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix comes at a crucial time for McLaren as they battle against Red Bull in both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. O’Ward’s experience in IndyCar and previous participation in F1 events will provide valuable insight and support to the team. This opportunity allows O’Ward to showcase his skills and potentially open doors for further involvement in Formula 1 in the future.
O’Ward’s journey from IndyCar to Formula 1 demonstrates his versatility and talent as a driver. His successful performances in IndyCar have caught the attention of the racing world, leading to opportunities to test and drive in Formula 1. The transition between the two series requires adaptability and skill, which O’Ward has demonstrated through his achievements and accomplishments in both disciplines.
The Mexican Grand Prix holds special significance for O’Ward as he gets to race in front of his home crowd and represent his country on the global stage of Formula 1. The support from fans and the adrenaline of competing at such an iconic circuit will undoubtedly motivate O’Ward to deliver a strong performance during the FP1 session. His enthusiasm and dedication to the sport are evident in his words and actions, highlighting his passion for racing and desire to succeed at the highest level.
Overall, O’Ward’s participation in the FP1 session at the Mexican Grand Prix marks a significant moment in his career and reflects the growing interest and talent of young drivers making their mark in Formula 1. As O’Ward prepares to take on this new challenge, he remains focused on his goals and aspirations, aiming to make the most of this opportunity and contribute to McLaren’s success in the ongoing F1 season.
