Pato O'Ward

2026 Season Stats

Career Stats

Biography

Patricio "Pato" O'Ward is one of the most exciting and charismatic drivers in all of motorsport. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, O'Ward has become the face of Arrow McLaren's IndyCar program and one of the most popular drivers on the grid. His aggressive driving style, infectious enthusiasm, and growing trophy collection have made him a fan favorite and one of the drivers most often mentioned when discussions turn to future champions.

O'Ward's path to IndyCar was unconventional and turbulent. After a stunning junior career that included Indy Lights victories and a brief, controversial stint in IndyCar with Harding Steinbrenner Racing in 2019 that was cut short by licensing issues, O'Ward landed at Arrow McLaren SP (as the team was then known) in 2020. It was a match made in racing heaven. The young Mexican brought raw speed and fearless racecraft, while the McLaren-affiliated team provided the engineering support and car development to unlock his potential.

His first IndyCar victory came at Texas Motor Speedway in 2021, and he has continued to add to his win total at an impressive rate. O'Ward has won nine career races and finished as the championship runner-up, establishing himself as one of the top four or five drivers in the series. His speed on every type of circuit is remarkable, but he is particularly lethal on street courses, where his aggressive overtaking style and quick reflexes give him a significant advantage in the close-quarters racing that those venues produce.

In 2026, O'Ward sits sixth in the championship with 106 points and one win, continuing to lead Arrow McLaren's charge toward the front of the grid. At just 26 years old, he has already accumulated more race wins than many drivers achieve in an entire career. O'Ward previously tested a McLaren F1 car and was considered for an F1 seat, but he has committed to IndyCar where he is a genuine championship contender. His Mexican fanbase is enormous and growing, and an Indianapolis 500 victory or IndyCar championship would make him one of the most celebrated athletes in Mexican sports history.

Interesting Facts

• Tested a McLaren F1 car at Abu Dhabi as a reward for his IndyCar performance - one of only a handful of active IndyCar drivers with F1 testing experience
• His nickname "Pato" means "duck" in Spanish - given to him by his family when he was young
• Became the first Mexican driver to win an IndyCar race since Adrian Fernandez in 2004
• Known for his colorful helmet designs and energetic personality both on and off the track
• Was the youngest driver to win an Indy Lights race at the time, showcasing his prodigious talent from an early age

Indianapolis 500 Results

Related

• Arrow McLaren - Team Profile
• Christian Lundgaard - Arrow McLaren Teammate
• Nolan Siegel - Arrow McLaren Teammate
• 2026 IndyCar Standings
• 2026 IndyCar Schedule
• IndyCar Series Coverage