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McLaren Confirm Pato O’Ward for FP1 Drive at Mexican Grand Prix

McLaren Racing has confirmed that Pato O’Ward, one of the most exciting talents in motorsport, will once again get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during a race weekend this season. The 26-year-old Mexican driver, who currently races in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, is set to participate in Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking place on October 24 at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

This marks O’Ward’s second FP1 appearance at his home Grand Prix, following his participation in the same session in 2024, where he replaced regular McLaren driver Lando Norris. O’Ward, who hails from Monterrey, Mexico, will once again have the opportunity to perform in front of a passionate local crowd that embraced him with enthusiasm during his previous outing.

In an official statement, O’Ward shared his excitement about returning to the Formula 1 cockpit, particularly on home soil. “I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year,” he said. “The Mexico City fans were unbelievable last time out, and it was a great feeling being able to extract everything from the programme that the team had planned.”

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella praised O’Ward’s previous efforts and highlighted the value he brings to the team both on and off the track. “Pato provided an appreciated contribution last season and continues to impress in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” said Stella. “That makes him a suitable driver for the Free Practice 1 session. This opportunity also provides additional experience for Pato as he remains an integral part of our reserve driver line-up for a second consecutive year. It’s crucial for us to maintain a strong pool of capable drivers who can step in if needed.”

Aside from his role behind the wheel during FP1, O’Ward will support the McLaren F1 team throughout the race weekend. His responsibilities will include assisting with car setup and offering feedback based on his on-track data, which will be particularly valuable for the team’s primary drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

As the 2025 F1 season moves into its later stages, both Norris and Piastri are key players in the championship fight. Piastri currently leads Norris by 16 points in the driver standings, a gap that widened following his recent win at the Miami Grand Prix. Defending world champion Max Verstappen sits just behind them in third place, adding further intensity to the championship battle.

Thanks to the consistent performances of both drivers, McLaren has emerged as the dominant force in the constructors’ standings. After only six rounds, the team holds a significant lead over its rivals and appears well-positioned to defend its title and secure back-to-back championships.

The inclusion of O’Ward for FP1 in Mexico serves not only as a nod to his growing reputation but also underscores McLaren’s commitment to developing and evaluating talent from its wider driver pool. With O’Ward already proving himself in INDYCAR and demonstrating adaptability in F1 machinery, the session in Mexico offers another step forward in his journey within the McLaren Racing family.

Fans in Mexico can expect an electrifying atmosphere when their local hero takes to the track, and McLaren will be hoping O’Ward’s contribution can further bolster their efforts in what is shaping up to be another successful season.