O'Ward to drive for McLaren in FP1 at Mexican Grand Prix

The 25-year-old Arrow McLaren IndyCar racer will step into the MCL39 on Friday, 24 October, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. O’Ward remains part of McLaren’s reserve driver line-up following the conclusion of his 2025 Indycar duties and continues in the same support role he held during the team’s 2024 Constructors’ Championship-winning campaign.

O’Ward said of the opportunity: “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 programme that the team had planned. I’m looking forward to going again this year, working with Zak, Andrea and the whole team.”

O’Ward will also support the team throughout the weekend, providing feedback to help optimise the setup for race drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Team Principal Andrea Stella welcomed the continuity: “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," added Stella.

McLaren will announce its remaining young driver FP1 plans in due course.