Pato O'Ward will take the wheel of the McLaren in FP1 of the Mexican Grand Prix

Reserve pilot in Formula 1 but above all engaged in IndyCar with Team Arrow McLaren, Pato O'Ward will take the wheel of a car from the premier class of motorsport during the first Free Practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix, on October 26. Enough time for the Mexican driver to prepare for the wave of support he will receive at his national GP.

At the wheel of the MCL39 of Lando Norris, this will not be the first time that the 26-year-old driver has taken the seat of a Formula 1 car. In Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023, then at home in Mexico in 2024, Pato O'Ward will drive a McLaren for the fourth consecutive year during Free Practice sessions.

« I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel for the first Free Practice session at my home race in Mexico this year., reacted Pato O'Ward. The fans in Mexico City were incredible last time, and it was a great feeling to be able to fully enjoy the program the team had planned. I can't wait to return this year and work with Zak, Andrea, and the whole team. »

Speaking about Andrea Stella, the McLaren team principal is also delighted to see the young Mexican back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez: " We are pleased to confirm that Pato will compete in FP1 of the 2025 Mexico Grand Prix, gaining valuable time behind the wheel of the MCL39. »

As a reminder, Pato O'Ward is undoubtedly one of the main contenders for victory at the Indianapolis 500 and the NTT IndyCar Series title in 2025. If he manages to accomplish these feats, in addition to delivering convincing free practice sessions, perhaps he will catch the eye of Cadillac, the next team expected in Formula 1 in 2026? This is possible, although currently, the Mexican is suffering from a lengthy delay compared to other contenders. Like former Formula 1 drivers: Sergio Perez et Guanyu-Zhou.

Pato O'Ward is the first rookie test to be announced by McLaren, which, under FIA regulations, is required to have rookies in the sport drive a minimum of four Free Practice sessions a year.

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