Patricio O’Ward gears up for his FP1 debut at the Mexico GP, eager to support McLaren and deliver for home fans.
Patricio O’Ward is set to enjoy the privilege of driving in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend with McLaren F1. The IndyCar driver, a native of Mexico, is understandably thrilled to take this opportunity to drive Lando Norris’s MCL38.
“I’m really excited for it,” O’Ward told Racer. “I’m looking forward to experiencing the Grand Prix weekend without just being a bystander – I get to drive the car at least once! It’s quite special. I haven’t really had the chance to do this professionally for so many years.”
“There’s no bigger stage than Formula 1, and it’s a huge opportunity for me to be here with the team and obviously help in any way I can to ensure everything is set up for Lando and that things go as smoothly as possible.”
“I also want to take away what I need from the experience and truly enjoy it. That’s my main goal – to make the most of it. I feel like it’s naturally expected to be that way, but I don’t feel any extra pressure.”
“I think it’s cool. In fact, I think it’s the opposite – it’s fantastic to be able to drive a car leading the constructors’ championship. It’s great. I’ve never had the chance to do this before, so it’s a first for me!”
Three weeks of preparation at Woking and Silverstone
The Mexican driver spent time in Woking and the UK in preparation: “I was there for three weeks, had four simulator days, and did some TPC testing at Silverstone – it was really nice, though I only got a few dry hours, and then it became extremely wet.”
“So, while it was enjoyable, it’s not quite the same – you can’t lean on the car in the same way, obviously. But I’m eager for Mexico. I’m excited to see what it can offer me as a professional and to see how it all plays out.”
“The car is an absolute rocket at the moment, so I can’t wait to get behind the wheel. I feel very comfortable. I’d say that after last year’s Abu Dhabi test, I was really able to lean on the car, and now it feels much more like home.”
“Mexico is slightly different due to the altitude, grip levels, and everything else, but in a way, I think it’ll be less challenging than usual because of those factors. So, I’m expecting to have an absolute blast, and I’m eager to deliver for both myself and the team.”
“Still a bit of an unknown in the F1 paddock”
While aware that he doesn’t have the same level of popularity as Sergio Pérez, O’Ward is excited to experience the event from within as a local driver: “I don’t really know what to expect. It’s clear that the fanbase has grown each year, but I’m not sure to what extent.”
“I don’t know where the current level of recognition stands. I tend to gauge it when I go to Mexico. After this year’s Indy 500, I feel like there was a shift, as though there’s been a significant step forward in terms of awareness.”
“I’m still somewhat of an unknown in the F1 paddock, to be honest! Motorsport fans obviously recognise me when I’m walking around, but all that Netflix growth has certainly left most people unaware of who’s who, apart from the 20 drivers. So, it’ll be interesting.”
“I’m curious to see the stadium section because every time Checo goes through, you can hear the crowd erupt, even from the paddock. Obviously, I don’t expect the same reception when I go through, but maybe a few people will think, ‘Hey, that’s cool!’ I think it’ll be really special.”
- You may also like>McLaren targets key updates ahead of Mexico and Brazil GP
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
O’Ward ready for Mexico GP debut, supporting Norris in FP1 O’Ward ready for Mexico GP debut, supporting Norris in FP1
