Pato O’Ward’s Dream Come True at the Mexico City Grand Prix
In a thrilling moment for motorsport fans, IndyCar star Pato O’Ward had the opportunity of a lifetime on Friday when he was allowed to drive Lando Norris’ McLaren during the first Formula 1 practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix. This event marked a significant milestone for O’Ward, who hails from Monterrey, Mexico, and has long dreamed of showcasing his talents in front of his home crowd.
A Unique Opportunity
Driving in front of a home crowd is a dream for any athlete, and for O’Ward, this was no exception. However, the excitement of the moment came with its own set of challenges. McLaren had strict team orders for O’Ward, emphasizing the importance of protecting Norris’ car during the session. With Norris in a tight battle for the driver championship against Max Verstappen, the stakes were high. O’Ward was tasked with gathering crucial data while ensuring that the car remained unscathed.
O’Ward recounted the directives he received before hitting the track: “Pato, don’t shunt the car. Pato, if you try to go too fast, I am going to scream at you, and we need information. This information is extremely important to what the weekend is going to look like.” These instructions underscored the balance he had to strike between showcasing his skills and adhering to the team’s strategic needs.
Performance Under Pressure
Despite the limitations placed on him, O’Ward managed to impress during the session. He finished 13th on the speed chart, outperforming several seasoned F1 drivers, including Kevin Magnussen, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, and Alex Albon, who suffered a heavy crash early in the practice. O’Ward’s ability to navigate the track without damaging Norris’ car was a testament to his skill and professionalism, leaving both him and the McLaren team satisfied with his performance.
While George Russell of Mercedes clocked the fastest time in the first session, the day was not without its challenges for other teams. Verstappen faced engine issues that plagued his practice, causing concern within the Red Bull camp. Team principal Christian Horner initially reassured that Verstappen’s engine was fine, but the driver soon returned to the garage, expressing his frustration over the radio: “This noise is very disturbing, this can’t be normal.”
The Dynamics of Team Roles
The relationship between O’Ward and Norris is an intriguing one. As a reserve driver for McLaren’s F1 team, O’Ward is also a star in the IndyCar Series. Norris, while supportive of O’Ward’s opportunity, made it clear that the primary focus was on the team’s performance. “He’s testing my car,” Norris stated bluntly when asked about O’Ward’s role. This candid remark highlighted the reality of O’Ward’s position; while he was thrilled to drive in front of his home crowd, his primary responsibility was to assist the team in their championship pursuit.
Norris acknowledged the unique opportunity O’Ward had been given, emphasizing that it was not just about individual glory. “He’s playing a bigger role. He’s not going to be in Formula 1 this year or next year. His role is helping us as a team,” Norris explained. The camaraderie between the two drivers was evident, with Norris expressing happiness for O’Ward’s experience while also reminding him of the responsibilities that came with it.
The Future of Racing in Mexico
O’Ward’s desire to race in Mexico has been a driving force behind his career aspirations. Recently, he expressed disappointment when NASCAR announced plans to race in Mexico City in 2025, a move that overshadowed his hopes for IndyCar to return to the country. However, his vocal advocacy has accelerated discussions about bringing IndyCar racing to Mexico in 2026, a development that would undoubtedly excite his fans and the motorsport community.
As O’Ward continues to navigate his dual roles in IndyCar and Formula 1, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring drivers. The blend of excitement, pressure, and responsibility he experienced during the Mexico City Grand Prix practice session encapsulates the essence of motorsport—a thrilling yet demanding world where dreams can come true, albeit with a few caveats.
