Mexican racing driver Pato O’Ward, currently competing full-time with Arrow McLaren in IndyCar, was on the verge of joining Red Bull’s Formula 1 team for the 2020 season before an FIA change disrupted his path. The ruling revised superlicense points awarded for the Indy NXT championship, leaving O’Ward short of the necessary credentials, which led to the collapse of his anticipated Red Bull F1 contract.
O’Ward’s journey began through junior formula categories before advancing to the Indy Lights (now known as Indy NXT) championship during 2017 and 2018. His impressive performances earned him a part-time IndyCar seat in 2019. Alongside this, O’Ward drove for Red Bull’s junior team at the Red Bull Ring with MP Motorsport and also replaced Dan Ticktum in the Super Formula series.
The Shift from a Formula 1 Future to IndyCar
The FIA’s superlicense point adjustment meant O’Ward could no longer secure an F1 seat. However, this setback opened the door to a new opportunity when Arrow McLaren’s Zak Brown invited him to race in IndyCar. O’Ward accepted, marking a significant redirection in his career that led to a full-time IndyCar campaign.
Speaking on the off-season podcast hosted by James Coker, O’Ward expressed mixed emotions about missing the Red Bull seat but also recognized the silver lining. He said,
“I see and compare my situation for example 2019 straight I was going straight to Formula 1 from winning the Indy Lights Championship, signing with Red Bull. The seat was pretty much done. I don’t get my superlicense. Everything falls apart. I had nothing. Then Zak’s like, ‘Hey, come to IndyCar.’ I was like, ‘Yes.’ I mean, I have nothing else.” (30:30 onwards)
“But you know what would have happened if if that seat would have happened? Was I ready? Was I was I going to be able to take advantage of it? Was I going to be able to deal with what comes in the world of Formula 1?” added Pato O’Ward
O’Ward highlighted that his six seasons in IndyCar have been an invaluable learning experience, helping him prepare for any future Formula 1 opportunities with greater readiness and skill.
“Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that it never happened, but you never know. Like right now I have an opportunity to win the Indy500, win the IndyCar Championship, and maybe even one day have an a challenge at Formula 1. Maybe I wouldn’t have never had that opportunity. And like that’s that’s so much more than I could have ever imagined for myself,” concluded Pato O’Ward
Expanded Role with McLaren’s Formula 1 Team Alongside IndyCar Commitments
Following Alex Palou’s decision not to join McLaren as planned, Pato O’Ward was selected to take over as reserve driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, while maintaining his full-time position in IndyCar. For the 2026 season, McLaren confirmed both O’Ward and Leonardo Fornaroli as reserve drivers, signaling the team’s commitment to their development program.
“I am excited to continue in my role as reserve driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, alongside my primary duties in the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren. I’ve learned an incredible amount from testing and driving F1 cars over the past few years, so I am looking forward to this continued growth and development,” said O’Ward
O’Ward has driven the McLaren F1 car in various settings, including the first practice session (FP1) at the Mexico Grand Prix and the post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, further honing his skills within the highest tier of motorsport.
Implications and Future Prospects for Pato O’Ward’s Racing Career
While the FIA ruling initially derailed O’Ward’s path to a direct Formula 1 seat, the detour into IndyCar has allowed him to build a formidable reputation, securing multiple seasons of experience on competitive American circuits. His dual role with McLaren keeps him connected to Formula 1 and preserves his chances of eventually stepping into an F1 cockpit under better circumstances.
O’Ward’s reflections suggest a maturity and strategic outlook, valuing lengthy preparation and the acquisition of racecraft before tackling F1’s intense environment. With ambitions to win the IndyCar championship and the iconic Indy 500, his trajectory remains promising. The alliance with McLaren’s driver development program could be the bridge that transforms his long-term F1 aspirations into reality.
