McLaren have added IndyCar driver, Pato O’Ward to their reserve roster for the 2024 F1 season.
O’Ward has driven for McLaren in Indycar for the last four seasons during which he has taken four wins and 16 further podium finishes, plus achieved three top-four championship finishes in that period.
The Mexican has also achieved two of his three top-four championship finishes without winning a race in 2020 and 23 seasons, underlining McLaren’s belief in O’Ward who will drive Lando Norris’ car in FP1 at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in F1 like he did in 2022.
O’Ward will further extend his involvement with the team next season with reserve duties in F1 alongside his Indycar commitments.
Speaking about the chance to expand his role within McLaren’s racing portfolio, O’Ward said: “Pumped to take on this new role within the McLaren Racing family. I’ve spent a lot of time with the F1 team having driven previously in free practice and taken part in a few tests.
“I’ve always said it’s never a bad day when you get to jump into an F1 car, so I look forward to joining the reserve driver pool for next year alongside my driving duties with Arrow McLaren. Thank you to Andrea and Zak for this great opportunity.”
McLaren’s F1 Team Principal, Andrea Stella added that the team are “pleased” to confirm O’Ward amongst their reserve drivers for next season alongside Ryo Hirakawa plus Mick Schumacher and Felipe Drugovich, of who are also reserve drivers for Mercedes and Aston Martin respectively.
Stella also believes that step was “natural” once O’Ward had become eligible to claim a FIA Super License. especially with next season set to have 24 races on the calendar which neccesitated a need to have a range of drivers to call upon if required to replace Norris or Oscar Piastri.
“With the expansive calendar, it’s prudent to ensure we have a wide pool of drivers that we can call upon if required. We look forward to seeing him progress in this new role.”
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