McLaren Taps Mexican Star Pato O’Ward for FP1 Session at Mexico City Grand Prix
McLaren Racing has officially announced that Mexican driver Pato O’Ward will once again get the opportunity to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend, as he’s been selected to drive in Free Practice 1 (FP1) during the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. The event is set to take place on October 24 at the renowned Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, offering O’Ward the chance to perform in front of an enthusiastic home crowd for the second consecutive year.
O’Ward, 26, is currently competing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where he has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and dynamic drivers in the field. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, O’Ward is no stranger to the Formula 1 paddock. He made his FP1 debut at this very venue in 2024, stepping in for McLaren’s regular driver Lando Norris. That session was met with immense excitement and support from fans in Mexico, who welcomed their homegrown hero with open arms. His return in 2025 is expected to bring a similar wave of local pride and anticipation.
Expressing his excitement in an official statement, O’Ward said, “I’m thrilled to be getting back into the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico. The atmosphere last year was absolutely electric, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that energy once again. It was a rewarding challenge last time, and I’m ready to get the most out of the car and contribute meaningfully to the team’s programme this year.”
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella praised O’Ward’s performance in his previous FP1 outing, emphasizing the value he brings not just on the track, but also in his ongoing role within the team. “Pato did an excellent job for us last season in FP1 and continues to show impressive form in INDYCAR,” Stella commented. “His presence in our reserve driver line-up for a second straight year gives us confidence. Having him take the wheel in FP1 helps us maintain depth in our driver pool, ensuring we’re prepared for any situation.”
Beyond his on-track duties during FP1, O’Ward will have an important supporting role throughout the race weekend. He’ll be involved in technical debriefs, assist with car setup decisions, and provide feedback based on his driving experience—information that could prove valuable for regular drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they continue to battle at the sharp end of the championship standings.
With the 2025 Formula 1 season now in its second half, McLaren finds itself in a highly competitive position. Both Norris and Piastri have consistently delivered strong performances, allowing the team to take a commanding lead in the Constructors’ Championship after just six races. Piastri recently widened the gap between himself and Norris by 16 points following his victory at the Miami Grand Prix. The Australian’s form has kept him at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, with defending world champion Max Verstappen lurking close behind in third place, adding even more tension to an already dramatic title race.
McLaren’s early-season dominance is a testament to the team’s technical excellence and driver consistency. The strategic decision to include O’Ward in the FP1 session demonstrates their ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and evaluating drivers from within their broader racing ecosystem. It also reflects the team’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that they continue to have a robust lineup of capable drivers ready to contribute at any moment.
O’Ward’s presence at the Mexico City Grand Prix serves as more than just a symbolic homecoming—it’s a genuine opportunity for the young driver to gain more experience in Formula 1 machinery and prove himself further in the eyes of the team. His adaptability, already showcased in previous F1 outings and his successful INDYCAR campaigns, makes him a valuable asset in McLaren’s long-term strategy.
Fans attending the race in Mexico can expect a memorable weekend, with their national hero taking to the track once more. The electric atmosphere, combined with O’Ward’s popularity and McLaren’s strong championship momentum, promises an exciting addition to what has already been a thrilling F1 season.
For O’Ward, the session marks another important step on his journey in the McLaren family—one that may lead to more opportunities in Formula 1 down the road.
