McLaren has enlisted IndyCar sensation Pato O’Ward as a reserve driver for the upcoming Formula One season, the team announced on Thursday.
The 24-year-old Pato O’Ward racing prodigy is set to make his mark in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking the wheel for McLaren during the first practice session on Friday
Following this, Pato O’Ward is scheduled to participate in post-season testing at the same circuit, showcasing his prowess on the F1 stage. Pato O’Ward’s dual commitment extends beyond Formula One, as he concurrently pursues his role as a reserve driver for McLaren with his ongoing participation in the IndyCar series with Arrow McLaren. His impressive performance in the 2023 IndyCar championship, securing fourth place with seven podium finishes, earned him enough points for a coveted Super Licence.
This achievement opens the door for Pato O’Ward to not only embrace the reserve role with McLaren but also position him for a potential future in the pinnacle of motorsports, Formula One
Sharing his excitement about the upcoming opportunity, Pato O’Ward stated, “I’m thrilled to embrace this new role within the McLaren Racing family. I’ve consistently maintained that any day involving driving an F1 car is a good day, so I eagerly anticipate being part of the reserve driver lineup in the near future.” With O’Ward’s diverse skills, McLaren appears well-positioned to leverage his expertise both in the realm of IndyCar and as a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of Formula One.