Pato O’Ward to drive in FP1 for McLaren F1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Pato O’Ward will return to Formula 1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, where the IndyCar driver will participate in the first practice session in the MCL39 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for his home race. O’Ward drove in FP1 at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, and this will mark his fourth practice session during an F1 weekend, and his second consecutive FP1 at his home race.

The practice session marks the continuation of O’Ward’s role as a reserve driver for McLaren F1.

“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, 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], Andrea [Stella] and the whole team,” said O’Ward in a statement.

“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,” said Team Principal Andrea Stella.

“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,” added Stella. “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.”

O’Ward enters the Month of May — the biggest month in IndyCar — sitting fourth in the standings, and is coming off a P6 at Barber last weekend. SB Nation spoke exclusively with O’Ward on Wednesday about the upcoming Indianapolis 500, so look for that content soon.

And look for O’Ward in the MCL39 later this motorsport season.