Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward shared insights on his recent victory at Toronto and outlined what his team must do to challenge Alex Palou in the ongoing IndyCar championship battle. The Mexican driver emphasized the aggressive approach required to close the points gap and make the three-time champion Palou uncomfortable in the title fight.
At the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto race, O’Ward started from 10th position driving the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet-powered car. Through smart race strategies and determined driving, he climbed through the field and secured the win. This marked his ninth victory of the IndyCar season and further tightened his points deficit to Palou.
Current Standings and Championship Context
Before the Toronto race weekend, Palou held a commanding 129-point lead over O’Ward, who was second in the standings. Thanks to his recent success, O’Ward reduced that margin to 99 points, injecting fresh energy into the championship race. The 26-year-old’s season has displayed strong performances, including qualifying on pole for the Thermal Club Grand Prix on March 23 and finishing runner-up there. More recently, he clinched top honors at the Synk 275, starting from fifth on the grid.
Speaking with Eric Smith from IndyCar.com, O’Ward explained the necessary mindset going forward in the championship:
“Obviously, we’re at a time in the championship where we’re going to have to get a little bit more into the conversation of getting our elbows out because that’s what I had to do just to open the doors to having a chance to win this race (Toronto). That’s the only way we’re even going to catch a whiff of making him sweat a little bit,” he said.
O’Ward Reflects on His Victory at Iowa Over Josef Newgarden
O’Ward’s win at Iowa was particularly significant as he defeated Josef Newgarden, a Team Penske driver who had dominated the track with six consecutive victories. This victory marked O’Ward’s eighth career IndyCar win and coincided with his 100th start in the series. The achievement further demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure against top competitors.
After the race, O’Ward expressed his appreciation for his team and Chevrolet’s performance in a statement shared via IndyCar on X:
“Great job by all my McLaren boys and gals and the Chevy-powered machine. I think it’s 1-2-3, right, Chevy podium? It’s about time. I’m super happy I’m the Chevy guy that gave them their first win this year, and I mean, Josef’s the master at these races; he rules around here, so I knew that we had to be so precise to beat him at his own game. So yeah, this is awesome.”
Earlier in his career, O’Ward notched his first IndyCar victory at Iowa during his 50th race start, marking a milestone season as the first win for a Chevrolet-powered car that year. His consistent success at this venue highlights his comfort and skill on this track.
Implications for the Championship Race
Pato O’Ward’s recent performances have intensified the battle for the IndyCar championship, posing a genuine threat to Alex Palou’s dominance this season. However, O’Ward acknowledges that to force Palou to feel pressure, his team must adopt a more assertive and physical approach. This suggests the championship fight will grow increasingly fierce as the season advances, with tight competition likely to continue.
As the gap narrows and both drivers push their limits, fans can expect high-stakes racing and strategic duels in the upcoming rounds. O’Ward’s determination to capitalize on every opportunity makes the championship race unpredictable and captivating, fueling a season that remains wide open.
