Pato O"Ward shines at Mexican Grand Prix IndyCar practice session

Pato O'Ward, a Mexican-born IndyCar driver and reserve for McLaren, participated in Free Practice 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix, marking his first home Grand Prix experience. This event is significant for O'Ward, who has previously taken part in practice sessions at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2022 and 2023. His involvement in this session is seen as a positive development for both O'Ward and the IndyCar series, which has been striving to expand its presence internationally. The decision for O'Ward to drive in Mexico comes at a time when IndyCar is facing criticism for not having a race in the country, especially with NASCAR planning its first international points-paying race in decades. This situation has led to frustration among IndyCar drivers, including O'Ward, who feel that their series should have been the first to establish a foothold in Mexico. The current scenario highlights the competitive landscape between different racing series. Formula 1's requirement for teams to field young drivers during the season has provided an opportunity for O'Ward to gain exposure and attention, which indirectly benefits the IndyCar series. While the practice session may not hold the same weight as an actual race, O'Ward's star power is expected to draw attention to IndyCar, potentially encouraging future races in Mexico. McLaren's involvement is noteworthy, as they are the only F1 team with a stake in IndyCar, which may have influenced their decision to support O'Ward's participation. This collaboration could help raise the profile of both series, emphasizing the importance of cross-promotion in the motorsport world.