P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren has announced its driver plans for October’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
McLaren has announced that IndyCar star Pato O’Ward will participate in the practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix in October this year. O’Ward, the leader of McLaren’s IndyCar programme, will drive the MCL39 in Free Practice 1 at his home circuit to fulfill a mandatory young driver slot for 2025. He has previously taken part in young driver tests and FP1 sessions in Abu Dhabi and Mexico City. Additionally, O’Ward has conducted private testing for McLaren under TPC conditions. It’s yet to be announced who O’Ward will replace, as per the new rules requiring Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to give up their cars for FP1 sessions. O’Ward expressed his excitement about driving at his home race in Mexico, looking forward to working with Zak, Andrea, and the entire team. McLaren boss Andrea Stella praised O’Ward’s approach, labeling him as a “suitable driver” for the Free Practice 1 session, aiming to enhance his overall knowledge and availability as part of the reserve driver pool for McLaren.
