F1 News: McLaren throws IndyCar driver O’Ward his annual bone

McLaren Formula 1 Team have today announced that Arrow McLaren IndyCar Driver Pato O’Ward will participate in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix for the second year running.

Editor’s Note: With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as their regular F1 drivers, it is very unlikely that O’Ward will ever race for McLaren in F1, but it makes headlines in Mexico City to help sell F1 race tickets.

The 25-year-old from Monterrey, Mexico, who is one of the most exciting talents in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will take the control of the MCL39 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for his home race on Friday 24 October 2025.

Whilst getting valuable time in the MCL39, Pato will provide support across the race weekend, providing feedback to help with the car’s set up for Lando and Oscar to take the track.

The Free Practice 1 outing is part of his continued role as a McLaren reserve driver in the team’s F1 reserve driver pool. Following the conclusion of his Arrow McLaren driving duties in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Pato will be available to the team in the same role he held throughout McLaren’s Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship winning season in 2024.

The team will announce plans for the three remaining young driver Free Practice sessions in due course.

Pato O’Ward, Reserve Driver, McLaren F1 said:

“I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year. The Mexico City fans were unbelievable last time out, and it was a great feeling being able to extract everything from the program that the team had planned. I’m looking forward to going again this year, working with Zak, Andrea and the whole team.”

Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, said:

“We are pleased to confirm that Pato O’Ward will participate in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix as he gains valuable time behind the wheel of the MCL39.

“Pato provided an appreciated contribution last season and continues to impress in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, making him a suitable driver for the Free Practice 1 session. This will provide further knowledge for Pato as he continues to be available as part of our reserve driver pool for the second year, ensuring we have a wide pool of drivers available to be called upon if required.”