P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren Racing has named Pato O’Ward, its leading NTT IndyCar Series driver, as an official reserve driver for its Formula 1 program. O’Ward has earned four IndyCar wins and 20 podium visits in 72 …
McLaren Racing has announced that Pato O’Ward, their top driver in the NTT IndyCar Series, will serve as an official reserve driver for their Formula 1 program. O’Ward has achieved significant success in the IndyCar series, with four wins and 20 podium finishes in 72 races. He has also been involved with McLaren as a test driver for their F1 program. This new role as a reserve driver for the team is a natural progression for O’Ward. McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella have given their full support for O’Ward’s promotion, and he will continue to participate in free practice sessions and tests. O’Ward will have another opportunity to drive in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a preview of his busy 2024 season, in which he will compete in 17 IndyCar races and be on standby for F1 weekends. O’Ward expressed his excitement and gratitude for this opportunity and thanked Andrea and Zak for their support.
