Pato O'Ward Drives F1 Car in Mexico

IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward made his Formula 1 debut in front of his home crowd during the first practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix, driving Lando Norris' McLaren car. While O'Ward expressed excitement, he was under strict orders to prioritize data collection and car preservation, finishing 13th on the speed chart without any damage. Despite limited freedom to push the car, he outpaced several regular F1 drivers, demonstrating his competency. The session saw George Russell from Mercedes leading but also highlighted engine issues for championship contender Max Verstappen. O'Ward's participation comes at a crucial time for McLaren, as they are in a tight title race, and he acknowledged the responsibility of supporting the team. Norris, while acknowledging O'Ward's talent, emphasized that the primary goal was data gathering, underscoring the team-oriented nature of the opportunity.