McLaren recompensa piloto reserva com sessão de treino livre no Grande Prêmio em casa

O'Ward currently not only competes for Arrow McLaren in the IndyCar series, but is also a reserve driver for the F1 team.

“I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year. The Mexico City fans were unbelievable last time out, andit was a great feeling being able to extract everything from the programmethat the team had planned. I’m looking forward to going again this year, working with Zak, Andrea and the whole team,” he said about the opportunity.

So far in F1, O'Ward completed two FP1 sessions in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023, and drove in the same session in Mexico City the previous year as well. The IndyCar season concludes on August 31, where he is fourth in the standings, so there will be plenty of time in between driving the two different cars for the Mexican.

Team principal Andrea Stella said: “We are pleased to confirm that Pato O’Ward will participate in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix as he gains valuable time behind the wheel of the MCL39."

McLaren will still have to announce which rookies will have the chance to participate in FP1 sessions throughout the year. There are three slots still available, as each team have to give four opportunities throughout the year.