Pato O’Ward, the Mexican racing driver, shared insights into his short-lived association with Red Bull Racing and how his career found direction in IndyCar. Before fully committing to IndyCar, O’Ward aimed to secure a seat in Formula 1 through the Red Bull junior program but ultimately discovered that the American series was a better fit for his skills and ambitions.
The Early Formula 1 Ambitions within Red Bull’s Junior Team
In 2019, O’Ward joined the Red Bull Racing junior team with hopes of eventually joining the Formula 1 grid alongside star driver Max Verstappen. His contract was specifically designed for a Formula 1 transition, contingent on earning the FIA super license. However, his progress in Formula 2 and the Super Formula championships did not meet Red Bull’s expectations, leading to his departure within six months.
Reflecting on his experience in a 2022 ESPN interview, O’Ward said,
“Red Bull couldn’t use me. I appreciated that [being released so I could join Arrow McLaren]. The contract I signed for Red Bull was for Formula One, nothing else.”
—Pato O’Ward
After leaving Red Bull, the Monterrey native moved to Arrow McLaren in IndyCar, where he has since emerged as a top competitor. His development at Arrow McLaren has allowed him to establish himself as one of the strongest drivers in the series, regularly contending for the championship.
Pato O’Ward’s Perspective on IndyCar’s Potential Compared to Formula 1
O’Ward has expressed his views on how IndyCar can expand its reach and better challenge the global appeal of Formula 1. In a 2024 interview with Planet F1, the 26-year-old emphasized that IndyCar’s concentration mainly within the United States limits its growth and international recognition.
He pointed out the significance of broadening IndyCar’s presence outside the US, stating,
“Almost everybody would be pretty keen to go international. The excuse is always that our sponsors don’t care about international [markets]. Well, then why does everybody want to go to Formula 1? Like, your excuse is not accepted.”
—Pato O’Ward
O’Ward further noted the geographical scope difference between the two series, explaining,
“[IndyCar] can’t be compared to Formula 1, because they go worldwide. They’ve got a few races in the US, but they don’t have 17 races in the US. I guarantee you, if we had one race on every continent, it would be easier to achieve [growth], because not everything is concentrated in one country.”
—Pato O’Ward
Implications for O’Ward and IndyCar’s Future
Pato O’Ward’s journey highlights the challenges talented drivers face when navigating the competitive landscape between Formula 1 and IndyCar. While his early ambitions with Red Bull Racing in F1 did not materialize, his ongoing success in IndyCar underscores the series’ role as a premier motorsport platform.
As O’Ward continues to excel, his commentary signals a need for IndyCar to expand internationally to boost its profile and rival F1’s global footprint. His unique experience offers a perspective that might influence the future strategy of IndyCar and the career paths of drivers aspiring to compete at the highest levels.
