McLaren announce popular F1 driver switch after…..read more
McLaren has officially announced that Pato O’Ward, a fan-favorite IndyCar driver, will once again have the chance to demonstrate his skills on the Formula 1 stage. The Mexican talent is scheduled to participate in the first free practice session (FP1) at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, set to take place on October 24 at the renowned Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This marks a special return for O’Ward, who will be performing in front of a passionate home crowd, adding a personal significance to this opportunity.
This won’t be O’Ward’s first experience driving a McLaren Formula 1 car at this venue. He previously appeared in FP1 at the 2024 edition of the Mexican Grand Prix, stepping in for Lando Norris. That session was a major step forward in his motorsport journey and offered McLaren a valuable opportunity to evaluate his capabilities in a Formula 1 environment. His performance was well-received, and the team has decided to invite him back for another run — a clear sign of trust in his abilities and potential.
With the 2025 F1 season already in full swing, McLaren’s decision to reintroduce O’Ward into the cockpit highlights its commitment to nurturing talent from across its broader motorsport program. Currently competing in the IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren, O’Ward has earned a strong reputation as one of the top young drivers outside of Formula 1. His speed, charisma, and growing experience have led many to speculate about a future full-time role with McLaren’s F1 team.
O’Ward expressed his excitement following the announcement, emphasizing how meaningful it is to once again race in front of a home crowd. “I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year,” he said. “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.” His comments reflect the powerful connection he feels with the local fans and his motivation to deliver a strong performance on home soil.
From a strategic perspective, this move also helps McLaren fulfill the FIA’s requirement that all teams give rookie or non-regular drivers a chance to participate in practice sessions. More than just checking a box, it allows the team to gain valuable input from a fresh viewpoint, while continuing to assess O’Ward’s growth as a driver. These sessions are critical in identifying talent that could potentially transition into a full-time Formula 1 seat.
The Mexican Grand Prix is one of the most electrifying events on the F1 calendar, with enthusiastic fans creating an unforgettable atmosphere. For O’Ward, who is a national hero to many in Mexico’s motorsport community, this opportunity represents both a personal milestone and a professional proving ground. Racing on a familiar circuit surrounded by a sea of supporters, he’ll be aiming to make the most of every lap.
Ultimately, McLaren’s choice to field Pato O’Ward in FP1 once again underscores their long-term vision of promoting talent from within, while also giving fans in Mexico a reason to cheer even louder this October.
