McLaren reserve and IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward isn’t chasing Formula 1 any more after falling out of love with the “artificial” direction the 2026 regulations have taken.
The Mexican racing driver has carved up an impressive niche for himself in America with the Woking-based team‘s IndyCar operations.
O’Ward has also served as McLaren’s F1 test and reserve driver since 2022. Naturally, the plan was to chart a potential shift into the paddock.
That said, the 26-year-old has seemingly ditched that idea as he reveals becoming disillusioned with the current direction the sport has taken with its 2026 technical rule-set.
“Honestly, I think Formula 1 has made a mistake in how it’s become now. It feels artificial,” he told Fox Deportes.
“The fire I had to go to Formula 1 wasn’t because of fame or money, really not. But it was because those cars were incredible.
“Driving those cars was impressive, watching them was impressive. And I feel like every year, a bit of that essence has been taken away. That pure feeling.”
Pato O’Ward clarifies 2026 McLaren F1 duties
O’Ward has driven a handful of FP1 sessions for McLaren – displaying solid performances for the team.
And despite not wanting to pursue a career-switch, the 26-year-old is still keen to get F1 mileage under his belt this season.
O’Ward is expected to run a non-championship test and an official practice session for the team, though, he does concede no concrete plans have been put into place by McLaren to make this happen.
“Towards the end of the year, when the season is over, I think I’ll do a test and maybe even a free practice in Formula 1,” O’Ward added.
“But I can’t say for sure, because I haven’t had anything confirmed yet.”
No plans to abandon IndyCar over F1 – O’Ward
Last season was O’Ward’s strongest showing yet in IndyCar, finishing second to Alex Palou in the championship.
With F1 now out of his mind, the Mexican driver is keen to build on his exploits with McLaren across the pond.
In fact, he goes as far as calling IndyCar the “best racing class” currently.
“Someone like me seeks that: you want to race because you have that passion,” he explained.
“You want to push a car to the limit under braking, you want to get it through a fast corner as quickly as possible.
“Not press a button to overtake someone, as if it happens artificially. It’s not Mario Kart. We’re racing.
“That’s why I’m very happy in IndyCar. For me, this is currently the best racing class for a driver who really wants to race.
“Because Formula 1 now feels too much like a kind of show to me, too artificial. And that honestly doesn’t appeal to me.”
So far this season, however, O’Ward hasn’t been able to make much of an impression on the title battle. Palou leads the pack with the 26-year-old trailing the Spaniard by 69 points in fourth.
READ MORE – F1’s ‘refinements’ explained: The changes made to radical 2026 regulations?
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