Pato O’Ward, the 26-year-old Arrow McLaren driver, remains undeterred by the dangers of motorsports, consistently maintaining a fearless winning mindset in IndyCar competition. In recent remarks, O’Ward revealed how his entire focus when racing revolves around victory, disregarding the inherent risks involved.
The Inner Drive Behind O’Ward’s Racing Philosophy
Recognized as one of IndyCar’s most prominent talents, Pato O’Ward spoke candidly about his approach to racing during an interview with Tracy Smith. The Mexican racer emphasized that his mindset is singularly dedicated to winning rather than the possibility of crashes or setbacks. This focus on success over safety clearly defines how he approaches each race, as he explained in a video shared by CBS Sunday Morning.
O’Ward stated bluntly,
“…no, you think of winning—you think of winning when you are in that car. At least I do, that’s all I think of.”
—Pato O’Ward, IndyCar driver
His fearless attitude has translated into a racing style marked by aggression and calculated risks, such as his signature late-braking overtakes. These daring maneuvers have earned him both acclaim and a reputation for pushing limits, even though some peers view such tactics as risky.
Throughout his IndyCar career, O’Ward has claimed seven race victories and secured 30 podium finishes. Despite these successes, he has yet to capture the Drivers’ Championship title. His best season finish came in 2021, where he placed third, a standing he appears poised to replicate or better in future seasons.
Pato O’Ward’s Determination to Win the Indy 500
O’Ward has openly expressed his ambition to win the prestigious Indy 500, a distinction that has so far eluded him despite multiple strong performances at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Speaking with Tracy Smith on CBS Sunday Morning, he conveyed unwavering confidence in eventually securing the famed Borg-Warner Trophy.
He remarked,
“I know I am going to get my Indy 500 win because I have been damn good there every single year. So I know the more I put myself in that position, I am going to get at least one.”
—Pato O’Ward, Indy 500 contender
The Arrow McLaren driver has come agonizingly close to victory on several occasions. In the 2022 Indy 500, he was narrowly defeated by Marcus Ericsson after a late caution reshuffled the race dynamics, enabling Ericsson to fend off O’Ward in the final laps. Similarly, in 2024, O’Ward lost the lead at the final corner on the last lap to Josef Newgarden, who executed a decisive overtake just before the finish line.
At the 2025 edition, despite starting from the front row, O’Ward was unable to convert his strong qualifying into a win, finishing third behind Alex Palou, who earned his first victory at the Indy 500 that year.
The Impact and Future Prospects for O’Ward
Pato O’Ward’s fearless winning mindset in IndyCar continues to set him apart as a driver who pushes boundaries while maintaining an unshakable focus on victory. His racing style and results have solidified his place among the top contenders in the series, and his determination to capture the elusive Indy 500 win fuels anticipation for his future performances.
With a combination of skill, mental toughness, and consistent top finishes, O’Ward appears ready to challenge for the IndyCar Drivers’ Championship and finally secure the Indiana 500 triumph. His ability to mentally block out risk highlights a driver whose ambition could soon redefine his career and IndyCar history.
