McLaren has confirmed a driver change, giving IndyCar sensation Pato O’Ward the opportunity to showcase his skills in Formula 1 once again. O’Ward will participate in the first free practice session (FP1) at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix, scheduled for October 24 at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This marks another significant milestone in the young driver’s career, who has been competing for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar and is considered one of the brightest talents outside F1.
The decision to field O’Ward in FP1 is both a reward for his strong performances and a strategic move for McLaren. Formula 1 regulations require teams to give rookie drivers opportunities to participate in practice sessions, and giving O’Ward this slot not only meets that requirement but also provides the team with valuable feedback from a fresh perspective. This experience will allow McLaren to continue evaluating O’Ward’s growth and readiness for future opportunities within the sport.
O’Ward expressed his excitement about returning to the grid in Mexico, saying, “I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year. 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.” His previous outing in FP1 during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix was an important milestone for the driver and a valuable opportunity for the team to assess his potential in a Formula 1 setting.
This announcement reinforces McLaren’s commitment to nurturing talent from within its ranks while deepening its connection with a vital and enthusiastic fan base. The Mexican Grand Prix is known for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans packing the stands to cheer on their favorite drivers. For O’Ward, who enjoys hero status among Mexican motorsport enthusiasts, the chance to drive in front of them once again is as much a personal honor as it is a professional challenge.
The Mexico City Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event, with O’Ward’s participation in FP1 adding to the anticipation. Fans can expect to see the talented driver in action, showcasing his skills and competing at the highest level of motorsport. This move demonstrates McLaren’s confidence in O’Ward’s abilities and provides an exciting opportunity for fans to see one of their own compete in F1 ¹.