For racing driver Pato O’Ward, the chance to compete in Formula One represents the pinnacle of his motorsport career ambitions. The Mexican driver, active in the IndyCar Series, took significant steps toward this goal last season by securing an FIA Super Licence after a strong fifth-place championship finish. This achievement enabled him to join McLaren’s F1 team as their reserve driver, marking a critical milestone in his pursuit of a Formula One race seat.
McLaren emphasized O’Ward’s promising progress when announcing his reserve role, noting his impressive IndyCar campaign and strong performances in driver development tests. As the current racing calendar grows more demanding, McLaren views a diverse pool of drivers as necessary to maintain readiness throughout the season.
O’Ward’s Progress and Experiences with McLaren’s Formula One Program
Since making his IndyCar debut in 2018 and joining Arrow McLaren full-time in 2020, Pato O’Ward has steadily advanced within the open-wheel racing hierarchy. Recently, he finished second in the 2025 IndyCar championship behind Alex Palou, further solidifying his reputation as one of the series’ top talents. Yet, O’Ward remains focused on Formula One as the ultimate competitive arena.
During the offseason, his involvement with McLaren’s F1 team has increased, featuring several testing sessions including the most recent run at the historic Imola circuit in Italy. Reflecting on that experience, O’Ward shared,
Image of: Pato O’Ward
“Oh man, I had so much Pizza and so much Pasta; it was phenomenal. One of the best circuits I have ever been to, Imola.”
Pato O’Ward, Racing Driver
He further expressed his admiration for the machinery, saying,
“They are amazing machines, aren’t they? They really are something completely different from anything else out there, and it’s always a pleasure. I’m always very thankful for the opportunity from McLaren F1 and I’m looking forward to the rest of the offseason accompanying them through the majority of the races remaining.”
Pato O’Ward, Racing Driver
Alongside regular attendance at F1 events, O’Ward is also set to participate in a Firestonetest at Indianapolis next month, maintaining his race readiness and expanding his skills within the high-performance environment of Formula One.
Challenges Ahead for O’Ward to Secure a Full-Time Formula One Seat
Despite these promising developments, the prospect of O’Ward starting an actual F1 race remains uncertain in the near term. McLaren is currently enjoying one of its strongest seasons, leading the Constructors’ Championship by a substantial margin while fielding drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who hold the top two positions in the driver standings.
Given the strength and consistency of these championship contenders, O’Ward’s chances of replacing one of them during the season are slim, barring unforeseen circumstances such as injury. Even a single-race appearance would be contingent on extraordinary conditions, with a full-time seat still appearing distant.
This scenario highlights the intense competition within the sport’s elite teams, where talent alone does not guarantee immediate entry. O’Ward’s path resembles that of Alex Palou, a four-time IndyCar champion who has similarly yet to break into Formula One, underlining the challenge for top drivers advancing from IndyCar to F1.
Looking Forward: O’Ward’s Determination and the Road Ahead
For now, Pato O’Ward remains patient and determined, using his role at McLaren to gain invaluable experience and stay race-ready while continuing to compete at a high level in IndyCar. His involvement in testing and race weekend activities with McLaren’s Formula One team provides not only exposure but also chances to demonstrate his capabilities within the sport’s toughest environment.
The coming months will be critical as O’Ward prepares for additional track time across different circuits, hoping to solidify his credentials for when a Formula One race opportunity eventually surfaces. His story exemplifies both the difficulty of entering F1’s top ranks and the resilience required to navigate the competitive motorsports landscape.
Pato O'Ward loved having the chance to test a Formula 1 car at Imola. He will be at most of the F1 races the remainder of the season with McLaren. He also will participate in a Firestone test at Indianapolis next month. @IndyCarOnFOXpic.twitter.com/N5g50xwTeH
