O'Ward delivers to McLaren first IndyCar win of 2022

©IndyCar

A brilliant Pato O'Ward delivered to Arrow McLaren SP in Alabama on Sunday its first win of the season in the NTT IndyCar Series.

Although proceedings at Barber Motorsport Park had been largely dominated by poleman Rinus VeeKay, O'Ward lunged around the outside of the Ed Carpenter Racing driver at Turn 5 to snatch the effective lead with one third of the race to go.

Thereafter, it was all about race management for the 22-year-old Mexican who held off reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou to conquer his third career win in the series.

©IndyCar

It was a timely win for O'Ward who is currently holding talks with McLaren over a new contract with its IndyCar outfit.

"Man, it sucks to be at war within your own team," he said, right after his triumph.

"’m glad there’s been very positive talks for the future and man I wanted to do it for these guys. I wanted to do it for Arrow McLaren SP, Team Chevy.

"There's been very positive conversations. I think the vibe in the team is fantastic. I think that's what we need going into the month of May. The rest I think will take care of itself."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.