F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Video: O'Ward's day at the wheel of McLaren's F1 car

IndyCar star Pato O'Ward enjoyed his F1 baptism of fire earlier this week in Abu Dhabi, courtesy of a gift from McLaren boss Zak Brown.

The latter had committed to handing an F1 test to the Arrow McLaren SP charger as a reward for O'Ward winning his first IndyCar race this year.

The 22-year-old Mexican was ecstatic after raking up 92 laps at the wheel of the Woking-based outfit's Mercedes-powered MCL35M, calling his run "insane" and leaving him yearning for more.

"I didn’t want [it] to end, to be honest with you," he said.

"It’s just unbelievable. It’s just amazing, what all us racing drivers want to feel is just go as fast as you can, brake as late as you can, you want to feel everything, and this car gives you that and more.

"Obviously I didn’t know the car so for me, this is like ‘Oh my god!’… These things bend the laws of physics, it’s just absurd, absurd what they’re able to do.

"Right now this is it. This is all that is planned right now but I told Zak, man, you’re going to spoil me, I’m going to be annoying you after that test!"

O'Ward knows his allegiance is currently with IndyCar, likely for the next two years. But thereafter, the Mexican ambitions to join Grand Prix racing's grid.

Check out the video hereunder of Pato's memorable F1 track day at Yas Marina with McLaren.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Horner in Jerez: Surprise MotoGP visit sparks ownership visit

The asphalt at Jerez was already sizzling on Saturday, but the temperature in the MotoGP…

14 hours ago

Michele Alboreto: Ferrari's last Italian winner

On this day in 2001, the world of motorsport mourned the loss of Michele Alboreto,…

16 hours ago

Ouch! Alesi spins vintage F1 Ferrari into Monaco barrier

Former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who famously wore his heart on his sleeve during…

17 hours ago

Montoya’s shock call: Ban Verstappen from GT3 racing!

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called out Red Bull for letting Max Verstappen…

18 hours ago

‘Starting to pay off’: Sainz encouraged by positive step for Williams

While the start of the 2026 season has been a heavy lift for Williams –…

20 hours ago

Brown: Cozy team alliances a risk for F1’s ‘sporting fairness’

Zak Brown has once again lit the fuse on one of the sport’s most controversial…

21 hours ago