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O’Ward added to McLaren’s F1 reserve driver pool
Mexican driver Pato O’Ward will replace Lando Norris in the McLaren Formula 1 team for the first practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, complying with the FIA regulations that require teams to run a rookie driver. O’Ward, who finished fourth in the 2023 IndyCar standings, also contested FP1 in Abu Dhabi last year. He will also stay at the Yas Marina circuit to conduct the post-race test next week. McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella expressed his confidence in O’Ward’s abilities and stated that it is important to have a wide pool of drivers to rely on if needed. McLaren’s reserve driver options include Mick Schumacher, Stoffel Vandoorne, and Felipe Drugovich. O’Ward effectively replaces Alex Palou as a reserve driver, as McLaren has sued the two-time IndyCar champion for breaking their contract.
