Arrow McLaren has confirmed that its star driver Pato O’Ward has signed a multi-year extension to stay on with the team as driver for the outfit’s IndyCar program.
Specific details of the deal were not offered in the announcement, but language in an updated filing in McLaren’s ongoing lawsuit against Alex Palou indicated that the extension is for two additional years.
That pushes O’Ward’s commitment to McLaren out through the 2027 racing season, ensuring he will continue to build his career at the motorsports powerhouse.
“I couldn’t be more excited to sign this deal with the team,” said O’Ward in the press release. “I have to thank Zak [Brown] and Gavin [Ward], the partners and all who were involved in making this happen, especially before the NTT IndyCar Series season starts so we can focus on racing and winning.
“McLaren has become home for me, and I am proud that I’ll be racing in papaya for a few more years at least.”
The team also confirmed that O’Ward will remain as McLaren’s F1 reserve driver in 2024, helping the team with testing and Free Practice sessions as his schedule allows.
The 24-year-old Mexican driver will fulfill a bulk of his duties in that series after the conclusion of the IndyCar season in mid-September.
“This is a big day for the team and for Pato,” said Team Principal Gavin Ward. “It’s been great to see Pato and the team grow together. We’re thrilled to continue racing with him and I look forward to showing the racing world what we can achieve as a group.
“Having this done and dusted before the start of the season means the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew can go into the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg free from distraction and with one goal in mind: to execute each race weekend to the fullest of our potential.”
O’Ward will drive alongside Alexander Rossi and David Malukas for the 2024 IndyCar season, with the exception of the first couple events while Malukas continues to recover from his biking injuries.
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