Arrow McLaren star Pato O’Ward experienced a dramatic crash during the second practice session at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on Friday, May 2, at Barber Motorsport Park. The Mexican driver lost control of his #5 car on the outside of Turn 17, smashing into the barrier after the track conditions deteriorated due to a severe storm that left the surface green and slippery. The incident highlighted the challenges drivers faced on a damp track with little grip, raising serious concerns ahead of the race weekend.
The weather turned sour shortly after the first practice session, and heavy rain continued through the day, washing away any rubber buildup from Friday. As a result, the second practice kicked off with the track in a precarious state, cloaked under dark clouds and covered in moisture, making it treacherous for drivers pushing their limits.
With just 19 minutes remaining in practice, Pato O’Ward, who was on a fast lap, suddenly lost the rear grip of his car while entering Turn 17. Initial observations suggested he might have misjudged the corner approach, possibly touching the painted white lines, which can cause loss of traction, especially on a slick surface. The #5 Arrow McLaren spun off into the gravel and grass before colliding heavily with the barrier. The damage to the front right of the car was significant, forcing race stewards to halt the session with a red flag.
Speaking shortly after the crash with FOX Sports’ Jack Harvey, O’Ward reflected on the incident, describing the difficulty of adapting to the unpredictable conditions and the car’s behavior during the session. Along with teammate Christian Lundgaard, O’Ward has struggled to find a setup that provides confidence on the damp track. Both drivers had been inconsistent, failing to challenge the pace set by leaders, with O’Ward rounding out the session in 14th place, about four-tenths behind Marcus Ericsson, who led the first practice session.
Adding to Arrow McLaren’s woes, the team’s tent was severely damaged by the storm, forcing crew members to improvise wooden supports from materials purchased at a nearby hardware store. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident symbolized the team’s tough day battling both weather and performance issues.
The crash and challenging conditions serve as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in IndyCar racing, especially at a demanding venue like Barber Motorsport Park. For Pato O’Ward, the upcoming sessions will be crucial as he and his team work desperately to recover lost ground and ready the car for the race, with both safety and competitiveness hanging in the balance.
