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Pato O’Ward Set for FP1 Return at 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix with McLaren

McLaren Racing has officially announced that Mexican driver Pato O’Ward will take part in Free Practice 1 (FP1) during the 2025 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix. The highly anticipated appearance is scheduled for October 24 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where O’Ward will once again drive in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. This marks a key moment in the Monterrey-born driver’s career as he returns to the F1 scene, continuing to build on his relationship with McLaren.

This will be O’Ward’s second FP1 outing at his home Grand Prix, following his debut session in Mexico last year when he stepped in for Lando Norris. That initial appearance generated tremendous buzz among Mexican fans, who were thrilled to see one of their own representing on the global stage. Now 26, O’Ward is eager to relive that experience and once again bring excitement to his local supporters.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico,” O’Ward shared. “The fans created an amazing atmosphere last time, and it was a special feeling to complete the programme the team set for me. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and giving the fans another reason to celebrate.”

Currently a standout in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren, O’Ward remains a key figure within McLaren’s Formula 1 reserve driver pool for the 2025 season. His performances in IndyCar continue to draw praise from McLaren’s senior staff, reinforcing his value as a versatile and skilled racer capable of contributing across multiple disciplines.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized O’Ward’s continued growth and importance to the team’s broader operations. “Pato made a valuable contribution last season and has continued to show impressive form in INDYCAR,” said Stella. “His participation in FP1 will further his development and provide essential data for the team. As a second-year reserve driver, he remains a reliable option should the need arise.”

Beyond his driving duties in FP1, O’Ward will support McLaren’s engineering efforts over the race weekend. He is expected to assist with setup work and offer feedback to help fine-tune the cars for the team’s full-time drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. His role will be critical, particularly as the team prepares for the championship’s final stretch.

Heading into the Mexico round, McLaren is in a strong position in both championships. In the drivers’ standings, Oscar Piastri has taken a 16-point lead over teammate Norris following a dominant win in Miami. Reigning champion Max Verstappen trails in third, keeping the championship battle intense as the season progresses. McLaren also holds a significant advantage in the constructors’ standings, having pulled ahead after just six races—placing them in prime position to defend their title.

O’Ward’s inclusion in FP1 not only demonstrates McLaren’s ongoing focus on developing emerging talent but also adds another exciting element to what promises to be a thrilling Mexican Grand Prix weekend.