O’Ward Explains Delay To Mexico Race

Mexican driver Pato O’Ward has revealed why the IndyCar Series has yet to secure a long-anticipated return to Mexico, suggesting that a lack of commitment from key stakeholders has prevented the project from materialising.

Speaking ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington in Arlington, Texas, the Arrow McLaren driver said that although the championship itself is open to racing in Mexico, the necessary enthusiasm and organisational alignment among local promoters and partners has not yet been achieved.

Plans for a Mexican event were reportedly close to completion for the 2026 calendar, with discussions progressing around a potential race date near the Arlington round. However, the negotiations ultimately collapsed before a final agreement could be reached.

For O’Ward, a native of Monterrey, the absence of a race in his home country is particularly disappointing. Nevertheless, he insists that staging a successful event requires far more than goodwill from the series or drivers.

“I don’t think the issue is whether IndyCar wants to go to Mexico,” O’Ward explained. “It’s about the people involved locally. Everyone who is organising this weekend’s race in Arlington wants it to succeed. They care about how it looks and how it runs. Everyone has something at stake.”

Commitment Required

O’Ward described the absence of similar enthusiasm during negotiations for a Mexican race as a “red flag”. In his view, the event should only proceed if all stakeholders are fully committed.

“We don’t have a race in Mexico because we haven’t reached that point yet,” he said. “I didn’t see the hunger or the desire from everyone who would have been involved. If that’s the case, we shouldn’t go. Everyone has to be committed one hundred per cent—nothing less.”

The driver emphasised that bringing the series to Mexico would require cooperation from multiple parties, including circuit operators, local promoters, and the championship itself.

“I’ll always support the idea,” he added. “But I can’t do it alone, and neither can IndyCar. The track, the promoter, and everyone involved have to work together. It can’t just be about business; they have to genuinely want the event to succeed.”

Arlington Feels Like Home

While a Mexican race remains uncertain, O’Ward says the Arlington event feels like the closest thing to a home race he currently has. The driver spent much of his teenage years living in San Antonio, giving the Texas round a personal significance.

“This is the closest race to home for me,” he said. “I have a lot of friends here and spent many years growing up in Texas. I’m incredibly excited about this weekend.”

O’Ward also praised the collaboration behind the event, which includes key figures such as Roger Penske and Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the Texas Rangers organisation.

The race takes place on a new street circuit winding around major venues such as AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.

Technical Challenge for Drivers

From a driving perspective, O’Ward believes the Arlington circuit presents a unique challenge due to its varied surface conditions. The track features multiple types of asphalt and concrete, meaning grip levels will vary from corner to corner.

“It genuinely looks like a lot of fun to drive,” he said. “There are elevation changes and different surfaces—old asphalt, new asphalt, concrete and even polished concrete. The car will behave differently everywhere, but that’s part of what makes street circuits exciting.”

Arlington Circuit Overview

Although O’Ward continues to push for an IndyCar race in Mexico, he believes the Arlington event demonstrates the level of organisation and dedication required. Until similar commitment is achieved south of the border, the Mexican star may have to wait longer for a true home Grand Prix.