Pato O’Ward is looking forward to being able to learn new tips and tricks from Scott Dixon next season.
Dixon was recently confirmed to be joining Arrow McLaren next season, switching away from Chip Ganassi Racing after nearly 25 years together.
He will race alongside Felix Rosenqvist and Pato O’Ward in papaya colors in 2027, providing the two 1990’s-born drivers with a depth of knowledge unique to his long history in the sport.
In an interview shortly before confirmation that Dixon would be joining Arrow McLaren, O’Ward was full of excitement at the prospect of soaking up some of that knowledge for himself.
“I did [grow up watching Dixon], yeah,” O’Ward told motorsportweek.com, his eyes lighting up. “He’s my guy!
“Oh my god, I’m going to listen. I’m going to listen, and I’m going to learn. I’m always so excited to learn new things, and keeping your eyes open to getting better. He would be the perfect person to learn from.
“He’s the GOAT. He’s obviously a great competitor. He’s been a great asset to IndyCar and someone that has accomplished so much already.”
O’Ward joined Arrow McLaren in the 2020 season, marking his first full season deal in IndyCar when he was just 20 years old.
He has been with the team ever since, and has had no less than 14 different team-mates in that time. Some have been short arrangements or Indy 500 only deals, but he has had many opportunities to glean information from a variety of other skilled drivers regardless.
The fact that O’Ward is so eager to hear Dixon’s advice shows just how highly he rates the six-time champion’s skills.
O’Ward, Rosenqvist, and Dixon comprise the full time Arrow McLaren drivers for 2027, with Ryan Hunter-Reay climbing behind the wheel for the Indianapolis 500.
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