McLaren drivers loved the possibility of an F1 test for IndyCar star Patricio O’Ward

Patricio O’Ward has been talked about during his career as a potential future F1 star. With the 21-year-old Mexican now competing for the Arrow McLaren SP team in the IndyCar series, McLaren’s F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris welcomed the opportunity for O’Ward to run for the team at the end of the season in Abu Dhabi .

While McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown enjoyed a bet or two – a recent bet where Ricciardo will be a NASCAR test if he can get on the podium this season – Brown offered O’Ward in a video, posted on Arrow McLaren SP’s social media channels. Chance to take McLaren’s Young Driver Test at the end of the season … if he wins a race at IndyCar that season.

READ MORE: NASCAR fan Ricciardo offered a ride on Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s stock car – if he’s on the podium for McLaren

And when asked ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix how he felt about the prospect, Ricciardo couldn’t hide his delight – adding that he didn’t see the potential test as a threat to his own place on the team.

“I celebrate!” said Ricciardo. “I don’t want to do the test at the end of the season, that’s great, I’m thrilled. Please take it. After 23 races, the last thing you want to do is an post-season test so I would love to give someone an opportunity.

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“But I don’t see them as a threat,” added Ricciardo, referring to both O’Ward and Andretti Motorsports’ 21-year-old driver Colton Herta, who won the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg last weekend and became the youngest ever IndyCar race winner in this process.

“The level is absolutely high, that can’t be denied. Are you extremely talented? Absolutely. So if anyone wants to do a few laps in Abu Dhabi, you have my blessings! “

READ MORE: Ricciardo “full of confidence” can become world champion with McLaren

Meanwhile, Norris also said he was excited to see what O’Ward could do in a Formula 1 car, calling the Mexican driver, who was officially part of Red Bull’s Junior Bull program, “a character.”

O’Ward has Ricciardo and Norris’ blessings on his possible F1 test

“Of course it would be cool to see Pato in a Formula 1 car anyway, and I wish them and the American side [of McLaren] All the best in trying to win a few races and so on, ”said Norris. “It would be cool to see someone jump from an IndyCar into Formula 1 and see the differences. I’m sure some things are maybe easier and some things are much more difficult and very different so it would be cool.

READ MORE: After Imola’s performance on the podium, Norris “took the next step as a driver,” says Seidl

“I don’t think we see them as competitors,” added Norris. “As Daniel says they are some of the best guys in the world, some of the best drivers in the world, but I think we are confident of where we are. I think it will just be more exciting to see Pato in a Formula 1 car because he’s quite a character. So it would be a lot of fun to see. “