Pato O’Ward has declared that his long-standing ambition of racing full-time in Formula 1 is no longer a priority, insisting he is happier than ever competing in the IndyCar Series and has no desire to continue serving as a reserve driver for McLaren’s Formula 1 operation.
Speaking candidly on Conor Daly’s Speed Street podcast, the Mexican star revealed that his perspective has changed significantly in recent years. While he remains grateful for the opportunities McLaren afforded him to test and work alongside its Formula 1 programme, his focus is now firmly fixed on IndyCar, where he believes he is competing in the style of racing he enjoys most.
The 27-year-old has become one of IndyCar’s biggest stars since joining Arrow McLaren, establishing himself as a multiple race winner and one of the championship’s most recognisable personalities. Having recently been confirmed as part of McLaren’s 2027 IndyCar line-up alongside Scott Dixon and returning Felix Rosenqvist, O’Ward says he no longer feels compelled to pursue a Formula 1 seat.
O’Ward’s Current Career Outlook
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver | Pato O’Ward |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Current Team | Arrow McLaren |
| Championship | IndyCar Series |
| Confirmed Through | 2027 season |
| Previous F1 Role | McLaren Formula 1 reserve and test driver |
| Current Focus | Full-time IndyCar career |
A change in priorities
For several seasons, O’Ward was widely regarded as one of the leading IndyCar drivers with realistic Formula 1 aspirations.
His performances earned him multiple Formula 1 test outings with McLaren, while he also fulfilled reserve driver responsibilities for the Woking-based outfit. Those opportunities gave him valuable experience behind the wheel of modern Formula 1 machinery and offered an insight into the demands of the pinnacle of world motorsport.
However, O’Ward explained that his ambitions have evolved.
“I’m grateful for the experiences and everything I’ve learned in the world of Formula 1,” he said.
“And obviously, driving those cars, especially in recent years, has been an incredible experience, just feeling what they are capable of.”
Despite appreciating those experiences, he believes his future lies elsewhere.
“But I think I’m in a different moment in my life now, and I no longer care.”
“There is nothing in me that drives me to continue as a reserve in Formula 1, because I’m in a great moment in IndyCar.”
Finding a home in IndyCar
Rather than viewing IndyCar as an alternative to Formula 1, O’Ward now regards it as the championship in which he genuinely wants to build his legacy.
“I love the category,” he said.
“That’s where I want to be.”
The Mexican has become one of the series’ leading attractions, combining outright speed with an aggressive racing style and an engaging personality that has made him one of IndyCar’s most popular drivers among fans and commercial partners alike.
His renewed commitment to Arrow McLaren also provides continuity as the team prepares for the next phase of its development.
Little interest in current Formula 1 machinery
O’Ward also admitted that modern Formula 1 cars no longer hold the same appeal they once did.
The current generation of Grand Prix machinery has attracted criticism from several drivers regarding its size, weight and handling characteristics. While O’Ward acknowledged the remarkable performance of the cars, he suggested they no longer represent the type of racing experience he seeks.
“I’m not excited to drive one,” he explained.
“I have kindly asked to be dismissed from all my services in Formula 1.”
Instead, he believes IndyCar currently offers the most enjoyable form of wheel-to-wheel competition.
“It is the best place for more racing. Simple as that.”
“I think many may have a different opinion. But for me, that’s where I’m happy.”
Success beyond Formula 1
Unlike many drivers who regard Formula 1 as the ultimate destination, O’Ward believes he has already achieved a career beyond anything he imagined growing up.
His lucrative McLaren contract, commercial success and prominent standing within IndyCar have removed many of the financial and professional motivations that often encourage drivers to pursue Formula 1 opportunities.
“I don’t need to be more famous,” O’Ward said.
“I don’t need more money.”
“I’m already in a position that I never thought I would reach when I was younger.”
“I am very fortunate.”
Looking ahead
O’Ward’s confirmation that he is no longer pursuing a Formula 1 career brings clarity to years of speculation surrounding his future.
While his talent undoubtedly made him a credible candidate for a Grand Prix seat, he now appears fully committed to establishing himself as one of IndyCar’s defining drivers.
With McLaren continuing to strengthen its American open-wheel programme and O’Ward entering what many consider the prime years of his career, his ambitions are no longer centred on crossing the Atlantic.
Instead, they are focused on winning races, challenging for the IndyCar championship and, above all, adding the Indianapolis 500 to an already impressive résumé.
For one of North America’s most exciting talents, Formula 1 is no longer the destination. IndyCar is.