Pato O’Ward will race in FP1 for McLaren F1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Pato O’Ward Returns to Formula 1 at 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix

Pato O’Ward is set to return to Formula 1 during the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. This time, IndyCar drivers will participate in their first practice session with the MCL39 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for what is essentially their home race. O’Ward previously drove in FP1 during the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, making this the fourth practice session over the F1 weekend and his second consecutive FP1 at this event.

The practice sessions signal that O’Ward will continue his role as a reserve driver for McLaren F1.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the car for FP1 this year at my home race in Mexico. The fans in Mexico City were fantastic last time. It felt amazing to be able to maximize everything the team had planned,” O’Ward shared in a statement.

Team Principal Andrea Stella also expressed enthusiasm about O’Ward’s participation, stating, “Pato is excited to gain more valuable time in the MCL39 during free practice 1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix.”

Stella further acknowledged O’Ward’s contributions last season and noted his impressive performance in the NTT IndyCar series, emphasizing that he is the ideal driver for this practice session. “This experience will provide valuable insights as Pato remains available as part of our second-year reserve driver pool, offering a broad range of options when needed,” Stella added.

O’Ward had a strong showing in May, a significant month in IndyCar, finishing P6 at Barber last weekend. I spoke with him on Wednesday, and he’s looking ahead to the upcoming Indianapolis 500.