McLaren adds O’Ward to pool of F1 reserves for 2024

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McLaren has announced that IndyCar star Pato O’Ward will join team papaya’s pool of reserve drivers for the 2024 season.

A year after making his official F1 practice debut with McLaren in Abu Dhabi, O’Ward will once again be in action on Friday with the team.

The 24-year-old McLaren will take part in FP1 in place of Lando Norris and will return to the track on Tuesday for a complete day of running in Formula 1’s end-of-season test at Yas Marina.

“Pumped to take on this new role within the McLaren Racing family,” commented the Mexican driver.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with the F1 team having driven previously in free practice and taken part in a few tests.

“I’ve always said it's never a bad day when you get to jump into an F1 car, so I look forward to joining the reserve driver pool for next year alongside my driving duties with Arrow McLaren.”

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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella added:

“Pato had an impressive season in the NTT IndyCar Series and has performed well in his Driver Development tests, so it felt natural to take this next step now he’s eligible for an FIA Super License.

“With the expansive calendar, it’s prudent to ensure we have a wide pool of drivers that we can call upon if required. We look forward to seeing him progress in this new role.”

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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.