Pato O’Ward hopes to win the Indianapolis 500 miles to be ready for Formula 1

Pato O’Ward successfully completed his first outings in Formula 1. The Mexican driver took part in the FP1 session for McLaren in Abu Dhabi, finishing 15th on the time sheets. A few days later, the English team decided to allow him to participate in the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi. During his 103 laps, he made a very good impression, finishing second in the session, just +0.269 seconds behind the leader Esteban Ocon.

After these judged fluctuating trials, McLaren has decided to appoint him as a reserve driver for the 2024 season. He will fulfill this role alongside his duties as a driver at Arrow McLaren in IndyCar. Although the season ends in September, the Mexican will have opportunities to participate in F1 races, from a calendar standpoint. Specifically, during the Miami Grand Prix, where no IndyCar race is scheduled. Furthermore, if needed, McLaren could call upon O’Ward if Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri were to withdraw from a Grand Prix.

The initial objective remains to win the Indy 500

Despite his future status in 2024, the 24-year-old athlete still has as his main objective to win the Indianapolis 500 and have a very good season in IndyCar in 2024. « “I am fully focused on what I have to do because I want to give McLaren victory at the Indianapolis 500,” he said. « “I want to be the one who gives it to them because I have been with them for four years. It would be a Cinderella story to take on the challenge of Formula 1 and be a true contender. I don’t just want to come here to have fun. Every time you do the FP1 or tests, you simply spend more time in an F1 car. This means that someone believes in you and gives you the opportunity to be ready if those doors open.” »

After the day spent in Formula 1, Pato O’Ward was satisfied with his performance. His performances allowed him to achieve the best times and learn more about this championship. « From the beginning to the end of the day, and even from my second to my last slower attempt, I learned a lot », explained the 24-year-old driver. « Whether it was in larger or smaller turns. I think I’m pretty close to the limit. I think there is still progress to be made, but today, I reached a phase where I felt like I had complete control of the car. »

A constant physical job

In order to improve, Pato O’Ward works extensively on his physical fitness. The Mexican regularly strengthens his neck to better withstand the races. « “I did over 100 laps today and my neck was fantastic, I’m so proud,” explained the McLaren driver. « “You have no idea of the work I have done on my neck in the past two years. I have challenged it day after day to withstand what these cars are capable of.” »

While his goal is to triumph in IndyCar before joining the F1 paddock, Pato O’Ward is determined to continue improving physically. The athlete is not afraid to push himself physically to learn and enhance his endurance. « “If you want to be a champion, you have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations to grow,” he justified. « “It requires a lot of work, a lot of meticulous attention to detail, and it can be really frustrating at times, but I’ve had to work very hard to get to where I am, so for me, it’s a pleasant challenge to take on. If it happens, it’s fantastic. I know I’m good enough to be here. But if it doesn’t happen, it will only make me better everywhere else.” »

During the 2023 season, Pato O’Ward finished 4th in Indycar.