McLaren confirms FP1 chance for O’Ward at Mexican GP

McLaren has announced that Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward — who also serves as a reserve driver for its Formula 1 team — will participate in Free Practice 1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October. It will mark the second straight year the Monterrey, Mexico native will make an appearance for the team on home soil at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. “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,” said team principal Andrea Stella. “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.” “I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year,” said O’Ward. “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.”