McLaren announces homecoming F1 plan for Pato O’Ward

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McLaren has announced that IndyCar star Pato O’Ward will take to the track at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez at next October’s Mexico City Grand Prix, giving the Mexican driver a chance to shine on his home track in Free Practice 1.

The decision, revealed well in advance, underscores McLaren’s commitment to nurturing talent across their racing programs while fulfilling one of the mandatory young driver slots required for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

O’Ward’s journey with McLaren’s F1 team has been steadily building. He first tested with the team at the 2021 Abu Dhabi young drivers’ test, followed by his Grand Prix weekend debut in FP1 at the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP.

Since then, he has driven in FP1 sessions at the 2023 Abu Dhabi and 2024 Mexico City Grands Prix, alongside a private testing TPC programme with Team Papaya.

The 26-year-old’s future opportunity in Mexico City is a testament to his growing role with McLaren and his ability to bridge the gap between IndyCar and F1.

While the Woking-based outfit has yet to confirm whether O’Ward will replace Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri in the session, F1’s most current regulations require both drivers to relinquish their cars for two FP1 sessions each over the course of the season, ensuring opportunities for emerging talents like O’Ward.

O’Ward’s Enthusiasm and Stella’s Endorsement

“I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year,” said O’Ward, who currently sists fourth in the NTT IndyCar Series.

“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.

“I’m looking forward to going again this year, working with Zak, Andrea and the whole team.”

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His comments reflect the deep connection he feels with the passionate Mexican crowd and his eagerness to deliver for McLaren on a track that holds personal significance.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised O’Ward’s contributions and readiness for the role.

“Pato provided an appreciated contribution last season and continues to impress in IndyCar, making him a suitable driver for the Free Practice 1 session,” he added.

“This will provide further knowledge for Pato as he continues to be available as part of our reserve driver pool for the second year, ensuring we have a wide pool of drivers available to be called upon if required.”

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

Stella’s remarks highlight O’Ward’s value not only as a driver but as a strategic asset in McLaren’s broader motorsport ecosystem.

Next October’s race weekend will be a chance for the Mexican star to connect with local fans, and further prove his versatility in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.

For McLaren, it’s an opportunity to showcase their faith in a driver who embodies the spirit of their global racing ambitions.

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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.