O'Ward reveals how ‘political’ roadblock thwarted F1 debut in 2019

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McLaren IndyCar star Pato O’Ward has opened up on how a political maneuver by the FIA prevented him from making his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2020.

In 2019, the 25-year-old Mexican driver, now a major figure in the NTT IndyCar Series, was on track for a promotion to F1 thanks to Red Bull.

However, O’Ward’s path was abruptly halted when Formula 1’s governing body blocked his move, shattering his dream of joining motorsport’s elite.

A Contract with Red Bull

“Helmut Marko actually signed me,” he revealed on the Creativo podcast. “I signed a Formula 1 contract to enter the Toro Rosso seat at the end of 2019.

O’Ward explained that his bid to secure a super licence – a requirement for all drivers to compete in F1 – was initially greenlit by FIA race director Charlie Whiting.

Tragically, Whiting passed away just before the start of the 2019 season, leaving the decision in limbo.

“At the end of that year, Charlie Whiting, who was in charge of the FIA, died - the one who had already approved my super licence.

“[But] they did not want to give me the licence because I was going to take the space from a Frenchman. It was a political issue.”

Politics Deal a Blow

The “Frenchman” in question was likely Pierre Gasly, who was demoted from Red Bull’s senior team back to Toro Rosso mid-season in 2019 after struggling alongside Max Verstappen.

To earn the required licence points, O’Ward was sent to compete in Super Formula in Japan, but logistical hurdles left him unable to complete the full championship.

“I couldn’t get points because it was not the full championship,” he explained.

Further frustrations arose when the FIA declined to count O’Ward’s race wins in the 2018 Indy Lights series, a championship he won ahead of current IndyCar star Colton Herta.

“I had the points, but they didn’t want to count the Indy Lights championship points because of the number of cars,” he added.

The combination of these setbacks ultimately led to the dissolution of his relationship with Red Bull.

“They didn’t give me the points, after which I had to break with Red Bull. They couldn’t use me,” O’Ward said.

Read also: Hinchcliffe tips trio of IndyCar stars for Cadillac seat

Despite the disappointment, O’Ward would go on to thrive in IndyCar with Arrow McLaren while also gaining F1 experience through several free practice sessions with the Woking-based team.

O’Ward’s revelations shed light on the political intricacies that can shape – or stifle – an F1 career, underscoring how even undeniable talent can be thwarted by forces beyond a driver’s control.

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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.