Pato O'Ward has given up on his dream of Formula 1.

Pato O'Ward has given up on his dream of Formula 1.

      Pato O'Ward, the Mexican driver competing for McLaren in IndyCar and the current vice-champion of the series, stated that he is disappointed with Formula 1 as he does not like the regulations for 2026.

      O'Ward also serves as a test driver for McLaren in F1 and has participated in official practice sessions on Grand Prix weekends five times since 2022, including substituting for Lando Norris in the first session of the Mexican weekend last October.

      However, unlike Colton Herta, another IndyCar driver who is still striving to enter Formula 1, collaborating with the Cadillac team and competing in F2 this season in hopes of earning points for an FIA super license, Pato has lost interest in the championship.

      "I wanted to get into Formula 1 not for fame or money," O'Ward said in an interview with FOX Sports. "It was because there were impressive cars and it was great to drive them. But I don't want to press a button that will artificially allow me to overtake like that. This is not Mario Kart, and racing should still be real. To be honest, I really don't want to participate in all of this anymore.

      I feel that right now IndyCar is the best series for a driver who wants to truly compete. And Formula 1 is turning into an artificial show..."

      After four rounds of the new IndyCar season, Pato O'Ward is in 6th place in the standings and recently recorded the 2nd fastest time in qualifying at Long Beach, which was celebrated by Zak Brown.

      "Pato qualified 2nd and starts from the front row!" exclaimed the CEO of McLaren Racing, who is currently in California. "He fought for pole and drove a great lap, but we will try to accomplish our goal in the Sunday race. I love coming back to Long Beach, where my love for racing began!"

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Pato O'Ward has given up on his dream of Formula 1.

Pato O'Ward, competing for McLaren in IndyCar and the current series vice-champion, stated that he is disappointed with Formula 1 as he does not like the new regulations...