Breaking: McLaren Confirm driver replacement due to…read more

McLaren Confirm driver replacement due to…read more

McLaren has officially announced that Pato O’Ward will once again take part in a Formula 1 Free Practice session, this time during the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix. Scheduled for October 24 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the young Mexican driver will participate in Free Practice 1 (FP1), creating a buzz among fans eager to see their local hero in F1 action. This announcement marks a special occasion for both O’Ward and the Mexican motorsport community, as the popular IndyCar driver returns to Formula 1 machinery on home soil.

This outing will be O’Ward’s second FP1 appearance at his home Grand Prix, having previously taken part in the same session during the 2024 Mexico City race. On that occasion, he stepped in for Lando Norris, and the crowd’s enthusiastic response highlighted the excitement surrounding his presence. The 26-year-old from Monterrey, known for his aggressive yet smooth driving style, is once again being given the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities in front of a passionate home audience.

O’Ward has consistently impressed with his performances in the IndyCar Series, establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in North American open-wheel racing. His dynamic talent and growing fan base have made him a standout figure not just in the U.S. and Mexico, but globally. McLaren has maintained a close relationship with O’Ward through their IndyCar partnership, and this FP1 session continues to reflect their confidence in his potential as a driver who could make the transition to Formula 1.

The decision to include O’Ward in the FP1 lineup for Mexico is not just symbolic; it offers him another valuable opportunity to gain experience with F1 machinery in a high-pressure environment. Practicing on a Grand Prix weekend provides vital exposure to the pace, feedback demands, and technical communication required at the sport’s highest level. It’s also a gesture of McLaren’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering regional engagement by allowing a national favorite to represent his country on one of the biggest motorsport stages.

Fans in Mexico are expected to turn out in large numbers to support O’Ward, whose popularity continues to soar. His return to the F1 cockpit in front of a home crowd is sure to be one of the emotional highlights of the 2025 Grand Prix weekend. For O’Ward, it’s another significant step in his journey towards potentially securing a more permanent role in Formula 1 in the future.