O’Ward excited by Formula 1 test but "heart's with IndyCar"
Texas IndyCar winner Pato O’Ward says he will hold McLaren CEO Zak Brown to his promise of a post-season test in a Formula 1 car, but isn't actively seeking an opportunity to switch series.
It was at IndyCar’s season-opening round at Barber Motorsports Park, where O’Ward earned pole position, that Brown made the promise to the young Arrow McLaren SP ace that he could drive a McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 car in the Abu Dhabi F1 test in December.
Brown reiterated that point after O’Ward won the second race in Texas Motor Speedway’s double-header of IndyCar action this weekend:
Asked about the agreement, O’Ward said: “Yes, he's going to pay up!” and regarding what would be the first thing he’d say to Brown, O’Ward replied: “Where is my F1 test? I want a McLaren!”
As well as scoring the first win for what was formerly the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team since James Hinchcliffe’s triumph at Iowa in 2018, O’Ward scored the McLaren marque’s 29th Indy car win – but the first since Johnny Rutherford won both rounds of a double-header at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1979.
O’Ward said that although he was excited by the opportunity to test an F1 McLaren, he wasn’t angling for a seat in the McLaren-Mercedes squad, that currently comprises Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo.
“My heart's with IndyCar,” said O’Ward who became the series’ first Mexican winner since Adrian Fernandez. “It's just great racing and it's so, so competitive.
“I think for a driver there is nothing harder in the world. I think many drivers can agree with me that have come from Formula 1 to IndyCar….
“You know what, Formula 1 is the peak of technology. Everybody wants to go there. If the opportunity ever came by – [if] Zak said ‘There's a seat open, I want you in my team,’ – I'd be pretty dumb not to take it because it would just be a crazy opportunity. They don't come often.
“Right now I'm focused on the job that I have in IndyCar. I want to make the best of it.”
Related video
Previous article
Three-time Indy 500 winner Bobby Unser dies
Next article
“No one quite like Bobby Unser,” says Roger Penske
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 , IndyCar |
| Event | Texas |
| Drivers | Patricio O'Ward , Pato O'Ward |
| Teams | Arrow McLaren SP |
| Author | David Malsher-Lopez |
Colton Herta – America's next racing hero
Last Sunday, Colton Herta demolished his IndyCar opposition in the second round of the season. David Malsher-Lopez explains why Andretti Autosport’s youngest ace bears all the hallmarks of becoming the country’s next homegrown motorsport hero.
How good is Palou and is he Dixon’s strongest title rival?
Last Sunday, Alex Palou delivered his first IndyCar victory on his Chip Ganassi Racing debut. Is the young Spaniard going to become his legendary teammate Scott Dixon’s biggest title threat? David Malsher-Lopez reports.
Preview: Why IndyCar in 2021 is too close to call
The fight for supremacy in the NTT IndyCar Series will be as intense as ever. David Malsher-Lopez is your guide to the main contenders and six intriguing sub-plots.
Is Arrow McLaren SP ready for IndyCar’s title fight?
With Patricio O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist leading its line-up, 2021 could be the year Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet joins the IndyCar elite, writes David Malsher-Lopez.
Dale Coyne picks the Top 10 drivers in his giant-slaying team
Over 37 seasons, Dale Coyne has run no fewer than 80 Indy car drivers – including himself! Ahead of his first season running Romain Grosjean, we asked Coyne to pick the best 10 drivers ever to compete for him. By David Malsher-Lopez.
Why enigmatic Marco Andretti will be missed
Last Friday, Marco Andretti announced he is withdrawing from fulltime IndyCar racing. David Malsher-Lopez explains how this third-gen racer was a puzzle in the car, but a straight shooter off-track.
Why Roger Penske is an American motorsport icon
In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Roger Penske reveals the inner drive that has made him not only a hugely successful team owner and businessman but also the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar. He spoke to David Malsher-Lopez.
Is the mighty McLaren M16 the greatest ever Indy car?
When founder Bruce McLaren died in June 1970, his team could have folded. Instead, his loyal band rallied to produce a string of winners - including an Indy car game-changer that won three Indy 500s in six years.
