McLaren-backed IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward recently had his first experience in an F1 cockpit. The 2018 Indy Lights champion was part of Mclaren’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi. While regular drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo tested the F1 chassis with 18-inch tyres, the young Mexican took the wheel of the 2021 Mclaren F1 car.
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Many F1 pundits predicted he could be a rising face in the sport. McLaren CEO Zak Brown soon promised the young gun a chance in an F1 car, which he eventually got at the Young Drivers Test. His reaction after the top flight pilot was top notch. In a tweet posted by Woking them in their official name, O’Ward could be heard saying: “Oh my god! The grip, man, is insane. I’m sure my head will fall off at the end of the day. I’m fucking in love with this thing.”
However, he is not the normal face in F1 and the chances of being there anytime soon are pretty slim. He currently drives for Team Arrow McLaren SP in the NTT Indycar Series. The 22-year-old finished his McLaren twice in the 2020 edition of the Indycar Series and finished 3rd overall in the standings.
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Pato O’Ward is still considering moving to Formula 1
The young wild one is currently aiming for his first championship win in the NTT IndyCar series. He clarified this in a recent interview reported by SoyMotor. O’Ward said if he gets the opportunity to be in Formula 1 he will grab it with both hands but his priorities are different at the moment.
“Right now I only have one goal, which is IndyCar. I want to give these McLaren guys their first championship, their first Indianapolis 500, that’s my goal,” said O’Ward, as reported by SoyMotor.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 and Pato O’Ward of Mexico and McLaren F1 speak in the garage during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 14, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Emirates. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
“Who knows if Formula 1 is an option in the future or not. If the opportunity arises, I will of course seize it; like any driver in my position would do. It’s Formula 1 I grew up with and dreamed of. and the dreams you had as a kid never go away.”
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“Now I have a challenge here. I want people to enjoy me at IndyCar what this championship has to offer. I’ll tell you when I go into Formula 1… but now enjoy me at IndyCar,” he added.
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The 17-race season begins on February 27 in St. Petersburg and the final race is scheduled for September 11 at Laguna Seca.
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