Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, gave Pato O’Ward the opportunity to test McLaren’s Formula One MCL35B, but only if he can claim his first IndyCar win this year.
The bet is the second Brown made this season after offering Daniel Ricciardo the chance to drive Dale Earnhardt’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo if he claims a podium spot.
Before the season-opening Alabama Indy Grand Prix, where O’Ward qualified on pole, Brown called the Mexican racer into his RV before the race to offer him the deal.
“I have an idea,” said Brown. “You already had a third one. You’ve already had a second. So if you win one, I’ve spoken to Andreas [Seidl, McLaren F1 team principal]We’ll be putting you in the F1 car to Abu Dhabi at the end of the year. You have to earn it. “
O’Ward replied, “Let’s go! I will bring you your winnings. Hopefully several wins. “
The offer would include O’Ward taking part in the post-season F1 test in Abu Dhabi, which is normally intended for “young drivers” with fewer than three race starts.
The 21-year-old, a former Red Bull junior, finished fourth at the IndyCar season opener and drove 25 laps. He finished just four seconds behind eventual race winner Alex Palou.
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