Pato O’Ward to make latest FP1 appearance for McLaren at Mexico City Grand Prix

McLaren have announced that their IndyCar driver, Pato O’Ward, will take part in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix for the second year running.

Mexican racer O’Ward, 26, is set to take over one of McLaren’s MCL39 machines for the start of his home event at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Friday, October 24.

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As well as gaining some more valuable track time at a Grand Prix weekend, O’Ward will provide set-up feedback and support for full-time drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 25: Pato O'Ward of Mexico driving the (29) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes on — O’Ward has made several F1 test appearances for McLaren in recent seasons

O’Ward’s run, which follows on from FP1 outings in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023 and Mexico last season, comes as part of his continued McLaren Reserve Driver role.

“I’m excited to be jumping back in the car for FP1 at my home race in Mexico this year,” said O’Ward. “The Mexico City fans were unbelievable last time out, and it was a great feeling being able to extract everything from the programme that the team had planned.

“I’m looking forward to going again this year, working with Zak [Brown, McLaren CEO], Andrea [Stella, McLaren Team Principal] and the whole team.”

Stella added: “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.

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“Pato provided an appreciated contribution last season and continues to impress in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, making him a suitable driver for the Free Practice 1 session.

“This will provide further knowledge for Pato as he continues to be available as part of our reserve driver pool for the second year, ensuring we have a wide pool of drivers available to be called upon if required.”

McLaren added that they will announce plans for their three remaining young driver FP1 sessions of 2025 “in due course”.

Under F1’s regulations, every full-time driver is required to make way for a rookie – regarded as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix – in two practice sessions across the season.