McLaren has announced its driver development program lineup for 2026, which includes Pato O’Ward as the team’s Formula 1 reserve driver.
O’Ward is Arrow McLaren’s premiere driver in the NTT IndyCar Series, having raced with the team for the past six seasons.
In addition to his continuing role stateside, the talented Mexican driver will also continue his role as reserve driver for the team’s F1 efforts next season.
“I am excited to continue in my role as Reserve Driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, alongside my primary duties in the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren,” said O’Ward.
“I’ve learned an incredible amount testing and driving F1 cars over the past few years, so I am looking forward to this continued growth and development.”
O’Ward has spent multiple years helping McLaren’s F1 operations while continuing his championship ambitions in IndyCar.
He first piloted F1 machinery on November 14, 2021, which began a regimen of consistent F1 tests over the next few years.
He made his first free practice run during the 2022 season finale in Abu Dhabi, and has completed at least one free practice session each season since then.
2024 saw O’Ward officially take on the reserve driver role for McLaren, a title he will now carry into a third racing season.
While gaining valuable experience in the F1 scene, O’Ward has continued to improve his form in IndyCar in recent years.
The 26-year-old completed his best season to date in 2025, earning two victories and finishing runner-up to Alex Palou in the series championship.
Nine drivers in total were named to McLaren’s 2026 driver development program, bringing together drivers from multiple motorsport disciplines to grow through the program’s resources.
Fornaroli joins O’Ward as Norris/Piastri McLaren back-up
Additional reporting by Jack Oliver Smith
O’Ward will this year be joined by reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, who was signed to McLaren’s Driver Development Programme in December.
The Italian is the effective replacement for Alex Dunne, who quit the Woking-based squad in October, and is reportedly set to join Alpine.
Fornaroli, prior to his union with McLaren, was in the unique position of not being affiliated with any F1 team, ensuring the team’s shrewdness to snap him up upon his completion of the F2 championship.
“I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme,” Fornaroli said.
“It’s an exciting next step in my journey, and I’m looking forward to contributing to such a successful, Championship-winning team this season.
“A big thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for this opportunity.”
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