2023-11-23 18:52:02
WOKING, England (AP) — The McLaren team announced Thursday that Mexican Pato O’Ward, who currently competes in Indy Car, will be its reserve driver for the next Formula One season.
O’Ward, 24, will make his debut with McLaren on Friday during the first practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last of the 2023 championship. He will also return next week as part of the post-season tests at the same venue , the Yas Marina circuit.
During 2024, O’Ward will combine his duties as McLaren’s reserve driver in F1 and with the Arrow McLaren team in the IndyCar championship.
After finishing fourth in IndyCar this year, with seven podiums, O’Ward earned enough points to earn the Super License that allowed him to earn the reserve driver position with McLaren and open up a potential future in F1.
“I am delighted to take on this new role within the McLaren Racing family,” O’Ward said in a statement. “I have previously spent a lot of time with the F1 team as a driver in free practice and participated in some tests.”
McLaren boss Andrea Stella praised O’Ward.
“Pato had an impressive season in IndyCar and has performed well in his driver development tests, so it is normal to take this next step following being qualified with the Super License,” said Stella.
“With such an extensive schedule, it is prudent to be able to ensure we have a large reserve of pilots that we can call upon if necessary. We look forward to seeing him progress in this new role.”
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