Twice NTT IndyCar series Race winner Pato O’Ward had his first taste of a formula 1 Car during the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit, and he described the opportunity as “great”.
The Mexican who races for Arrow McLaren SP in IndyCar, received as a reward from the CEO the opportunity to take part in the young driver test in Abu Dhabi Zak Brown for winning a race in the 2021 season, and he took the chance with both hands.
O’Ward, who admitted he had a neck struggle during the day, managed to do ninety-two laps of the Yas Marina Circuit and thanked everyone with that McLaren F1 team for being able to test a 2021 Formula 1. He didn’t want the day behind the wheel of the MCL35M to end either.
“Today was great!” Said O’Ward on Tuesday. “The car exceeded my expectations in terms of its performance – it’s ridiculous how much grip there is in the fast corners – it’s unbelievable.
“Of course my head was still on my neck in the morning. But towards the end of the day, I really think that what was preventing me from going faster was just not being able to hold my head up and see completely where I was going. My head was actually only looking down because I couldn’t hold it!
“It’s such a great car. What a great experience, I didn’t want the day to end. I thank Zak, Andreas [Seidl] and everyone in the F1 team for supporting me on this incredible day. ”
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s executive director of racing, says everyone was impressed with O’Ward’s performance and learning ability during his test on Tuesday.
“A very productive day,” said Stella. “Of course we split up the cars, with Daniel [Ricciardo] is working on the 2022 tires and Pato at the wheel for the first time in a McLaren Formula 1 driving the 2021 car.
“We were very impressed with Pato’s speed, his attitude and how quickly he learns.”
