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Pato O’Ward to Drive in FP1 at Mexico GP as McLaren Pushes for Championship Glory
McLaren has unveiled a thrilling announcement for motorsport enthusiasts: Pato O’Ward, one of IndyCar’s brightest talents, will once again get the chance to showcase his skills in Formula 1. The 26-year-old Mexican driver is set to participate in the first free practice session (FP1) at the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking place on October 24 at the iconic Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
This will be O’Ward’s second FP1 appearance at his home race, following his debut in the same session in 2024, where he stepped in for Lando Norris. Born in Monterrey, O’Ward is especially eager to perform in front of his fellow countrymen. Sharing his excitement, he stated, “I’m thrilled to be back in the car for FP1 at my home Grand Prix. The support from the Mexico City fans was incredible last time, and I can’t wait to experience that energy again.”
O’Ward’s enthusiasm and charisma have made him a fan favorite, and his return to the Formula 1 grid, even briefly, adds an extra layer of excitement for the Mexican Grand Prix. During his previous FP1 outing, he made a strong impression by completing the team’s run plan effectively, and his return signifies McLaren’s confidence in his abilities.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised O’Ward’s continuous growth and value to the team, noting that his performance last season in FP1, combined with his consistent form in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, makes him a perfect candidate for this opportunity. “Pato made a strong contribution last year and has continued to perform impressively in IndyCar,” said Stella. “This FP1 run will help further his experience and keep him sharp as a reserve driver for our F1 team.”
As part of McLaren’s reserve driver pool for the second consecutive year, O’Ward’s session in Mexico will not only provide him with essential F1 mileage but also offer vital support to the team. He will be working closely with engineers to assist in fine-tuning the car’s setup for the main drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The timing of his involvement is particularly important, as McLaren is currently in a strong position in both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings. Piastri leads Norris by 16 points after a decisive win in Miami, while reigning champion Max Verstappen trails in third. McLaren’s consistent performances have propelled them to the top of the constructors’ championship, giving them a solid chance of clinching back-to-back titles.
O’Ward’s contributions in FP1 could prove crucial as the team looks to optimize every detail heading into the final stretch of the season. His feedback will aid McLaren’s push to stay ahead of rivals and maintain their competitive edge.
By giving O’Ward this opportunity, McLaren is reaffirming its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and investing in its long-term future. The move also strengthens the team’s driver depth and strategic flexibility.
As the season approaches its decisive phase, all eyes will be on O’Ward during FP1 in Mexico. Not only will it be a special moment for him personally, but it could also play a key role in helping McLaren secure championship glory once again.
