The Arrow McLaren SP team almost got a win at the Indianapolis 500. But the Swedish former Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson got his maiden Indy 500 win instead.
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However, the win was almost snatched away from Ericsson by Pato O’Ward, the McLaren IndyCar driver. The race holds a legendary status in the eyes of many, as it is one of the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
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Pato O’Ward almost won the Indy500
The Arrow McLaren SP driver Pato O’Ward finished second in the Indy 500. At 23, the youngster showcased his driving ability finishing second in one of the most difficult races in motorsport. The young Mexican gave us a lot to talk about after his incredible performance in the race.
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O’Ward, made a late move on the race leader Ericsson in the final laps to take the lead. However, he could not make the move stick and Ericsson defended his lead to get the win. Although it was a move all racing enthusiasts would’ve been proud of had he made it stick. Moreover, it could have been a talking point of the Indy 500, as it would’ve guaranteed a win for Pato.
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 23: McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown talks in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 23, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
And we might soon see these moves by O’Ward elsewhere as well. The Mexican, as part of his new Mclaren deal, has become a test driver for Mclaren’s F1 arm. Although the Mexican signed a multi-year deal with Mclaren’s Indy team, the deal promises him a taste of Formula 1.
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A taste he got in 2021 in Abu Dhabi after winning a bet against the CEO Zak Brown. And if his Indy 500 performance is anything to go by, the Mexican will do an amazing job in Formula 1.
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What are the chances of Pato O’Ward joining Mclaren F1?
Zak Brown is in awe and full of praise for the young Mexican. However, seeing him behind a Mclaren F1 single-seater might be far-fetched right now. Especially with both Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo’s contracts lasting till 2025 and 2023, respectively.
MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Race winner Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1, second placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren F1 and McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Speaking about Pato’s chances in F1 Brown said, “We’ve got both our drivers under contract so there’s nothing imminent, but we are starting a testing program. We’re going to put a couple of drivers in, Pato is definitely going to be one of those. He did a very good job in Abu Dhabi last year.”
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Mclaren have incredible talent on their hand and we might see him on the track on F1 race weekends as soon as 2024.
