O’Ward: Sometimes I felt like an outsider in the F1 paddock

Pato O’Ward, who drives in IndyCar for Arrow McLaren, will also serve as McLaren’s reserve driver in Formula 1 in 2024 and was actively preparing for that towards the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Mexican trained in Lando Norris’ car in Abu Dhabi on Friday before completing more than 100 test laps at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 28. On the one hand, Pato has professed his love for Formula 1 more than once, saying he dreams of competing in the top class of motorsport; on the other hand, he now clearly understands the difference between this championship and the American series, which seems familiar to him.

“It takes time to adapt to a different way of working and a different atmosphere in the Formula 1 paddock,” O’Ward told Racer. “This atmosphere is very different than what is typical in the IndyCar paddock. Of course in F1 it’s a lot more businesslike, and now I’m definitely more familiar with IndyCar.

I feel at home in IndyCar and when I came to the Formula 1 stages, I sometimes felt like a stranger. Gradually, as I got more information, I felt more comfortable, but it takes time. You don’t get used to it in one day.”

In a recent interview, American racer Logan Sargent, who competes in Formula 1 for Williams, said few people know him in his home country because he moved to Europe in his youth to gain experience in youth series.

“I don’t agree with that,” Pato O’Ward said. – Few people know him, not because he did not participate in American championships. The rest of the Formula 1 drivers also grew up and developed in Europe, but they are well known in America. I don’t think it’s that important to grow up in America.

To be honest, many Americans don’t even know IndyCar. In short, I don’t know what’s going on here. I think it’s mostly about the results. I guarantee that once Sargent starts showing really good results, he will be recognized.

According to O’Ward, with each of his tests behind the wheel of McLaren cars, the opportunity to move into F1 comes closer, but he understands that there is still much to be done to achieve this.

“It fuels my motivation,” he emphasized. – I consider this more of an opportunity than a gift because you should still be able to take advantage of the opportunity while just being happy with gifts.

As much fun as it is to drive a Formula 1 car, this work has already required a lot of effort from me and I intend to continue this to reach the desired level.

There is still a lot of work, I won’t hide it, but I dream of Formula 1 and I want to do everything I can to get into this championship. I have high expectations for IndyCar, I want to fulfill them, but I am attracted to Formula 1 because I know I can get there and show results comparable to what I show in IndyCar, i.e. claim regularly victories.”