Patricio “Pato” O’Ward’s motorsport journey is a tale of relentless ambition and undeniable talent. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, O’Ward began karting at a young age and quickly made a name for himself on the competitive circuits of North America. With a fearless driving style and a relentless drive to succeed, he rose through the ranks and was eventually recognised as one of the brightest prospects in the world of motorsport.
By the time he joined the Indy Lights series, O’Ward had already demonstrated the kind of raw speed and racing ability that would turn the heads of team bosses and talent scouts alike.
As he continued to rise through the ranks, O’Ward’s successes began to attract the attention of some of the biggest names in motorsport. His victory in the 2018 Indy Lights Championship cemented his reputation as a driver to watch, demonstrating a combination of consistency, skill and maturity beyond his years. This triumph opened doors to opportunities many young drivers can only dream of, positioning O’Ward for a potential move to the pinnacle of motorsport: Formula 1. The road to the top is rarely straightforward, however, and for O’Ward the challenges he would face off the track would prove just as formidable as those behind the wheel.
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O’Ward’s missed Red Bull opportunity
Pato O’Ward came tantalisingly close to achieving the ultimate dream for many young drivers: a seat in Formula One. The Indycar driver had agreed a deal with Red Bull to join their junior team, Toro Rosso (now VCARB). But his dreams were derailed not by a lack of talent or opportunity, but by the intricate politics that can shape careers in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
In a candid conversation on *Roberto Mtz’s podcast*, O’Ward revealed the behind-the-scenes struggles and heartbreak of missing out on a Formula One debut due to what he described as “politics”.
A Formula 1 contract signed and shattered
O’Ward’s Formula 1 journey gained significant momentum in late 2019 when Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, personally approached the young driver. The two parties signed a contract that would have put O’Ward in a Toro Rosso seat, a crucial step in any up-and-coming driver’s career.
For O’Ward, it was the culmination of years of hard work and racing success, including an Indy Lights championship.
However, events beyond his control soon unravelled everything. The death of long-serving FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting triggered a change in FIA administration. This change had unexpected consequences for O’Ward’s Super Licence, the credential required to compete in Formula One.
“The new French team came in and they didn’t want to give me the licence because I would take the place of a Frenchman,” explained O’Ward. “It was a political issue again.”
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Super Licence Drama: Points, politics & a missed opportunity
A key element in O’Ward’s downfall was the FIA’s Super Licence points system. Drivers must accumulate a certain number of points over three years by competing in various series in order to qualify for a Super Licence. O’Ward had accumulated significant points by winning the Indy Lights championship, but a technicality relating to the number of competitors in that series reduced the value of his achievement.
“They wouldn’t count my Indy Lights points because of the number of cars in the championship,” said O’Ward.
“There should have been 15 cars, but there were only 12.”
The FIA’s decision effectively denied O’Ward the Super Licence he needed to make his Formula One debut, despite his clear potential and Red Bull’s confidence in his abilities.
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A detour to Japan and more setbacks
Determined to get the points he needed, O’Ward turned his attention to the Japanese Super Formula series. However, this proved to be another uphill battle. O’Ward was unable to complete the full championship season, leaving him short of the points needed to boost his Super Licence tally.
“I tried everything,” reflected O’Ward. “But it just wasn’t enough.”
The situation left him stranded on the sidelines, watching as other drivers seized opportunities he had once been on the verge of claiming.
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Red Bull’s loss, McLaren’s gain
At the same time as O’Ward’s F1 dreams were slipping away, Pierre Gasly was struggling to match Max Verstappen’s performance at Red Bull Racing. The timing seemed perfect for O’Ward to step in and make his mark, but politics and regulations had other plans. With Red Bull’s path to F1 blocked, O’Ward turned to other options.
He approached McLaren CEO Zak Brown to explore opportunities outside the F1 ecosystem. Brown recognised O’Ward’s talent and offered him a place in McLaren’s IndyCar programme. Two years later, O’Ward became a test driver for McLaren’s Formula 1 team, a role that allowed him to stay connected to the sport he had always dreamed of joining.
“2019 was a very stressful year,” admitted O’Ward. “But I don’t think McLaren regretted hiring me.”
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What could have been: A talent lost to F1 politics
O’Ward’s story is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges drivers face in their quest to reach Formula One. Talent alone is often not enough. Political considerations, national favouritism and bureaucratic hurdles can play just as big a role in determining a driver’s fate as their performance on the track.
For O’Ward, the sting of missing out on F1 remains palpable, but he has found success and satisfaction in IndyCar, where he has become one of the series’ top contenders.
His career is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for young drivers with F1 dreams.
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Looking Ahead: A bright future in IndyCar and beyond
Despite the setbacks, O’Ward has built an impressive career in IndyCar. Driving for McLaren, he has consistently demonstrated his skill and determination, winning multiple races and establishing himself as one of the series’ top talents. His association with the McLaren F1 team also keeps the door open for future opportunities, although the road back to F1 remains uncertain.
O’Ward’s resilience in the face of adversity has won him fans around the world. While his story is a sobering reminder of how politics can derail even the most promising careers, it is also a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenge.
As he continues to shine in IndyCar, many still ask: what could Pato O’Ward have achieved in Formula One? It’s a question that may never be fully answered, but for O’Ward the journey is far from over. His talent and determination suggest that his best chapters are yet to be written, even if they unfold outside the world of F1.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
