The glitz of the high-profile luxury sponsors, the glamour of the exotic locations, and the celebrities all hanging out during a Formula One weekend would suggest that the sport is indeed the pinnacle of motorsport.
Ex-IndyCar rising star and race winner Colton Herta would also have you believe this, as he ditched his career in America’s premier single-seater racing category to humble himself and race in F2 this season, all with the hope of gaining enough points for his F1 Super License.
Herta’s Uphill Battle in Formula 2
By the way, that plan is not going all that well. Herta, who is racing for Hitech this year, is languishing down in 17th place in the championship, and his simplest route to claim the four points he needs for his F1 Super License is to finish ninth come the end of the season.
Clearly, Cadillac F1 want him as their first all-American driver and they will do their part in making it happen. For each FP1 session Herta completes for them—so long as it’s further than 100km—he will earn another precious point towards his target of 40.
Unfortunately for the Californian driver, he also had the opportunity to pick up two more Super License points by completing his F2 season without receiving a penalty. Yet his infringement under the virtual safety car in Melbourne saw Herta punished by the stewards, so that route for additional points is now closed.
If Colton does finish outside the top ten, which is likely given his current position, then Cadillac could hand him a minimum of four FP1 drives where he completes at least 100km. Herta must make the 40 points by the end of 2027, because by then the 30 he accumulated for finishing second in the IndyCar championship in 2024 will expire.
O’Ward Closes the Door on F1
Meanwhile, another IndyCar driver who had aspirations of F1 has given up the ghost. Pato O’Ward, who drives for Arrow McLaren, has been their F1 team’s reserve driver for the past few seasons. He has completed FP1 sessions for the F1 team in Abu Dhabi (2022, 2023, and 2025) and his home in Mexico City (2024 and 2025).
For years, the massively popular Mexican driver was seen as a prime candidate for a race seat at McLaren in Formula 1. But now, team papaya’s reserve driver has shifted the narrative, drawing a hard line between past expectations and future ambitions. Rather than continuing to chase a fleeting dream in Grand Prix racing, O’Ward has firmly rooted his focus in IndyCar, signalling he has little interest in extending his reserve duties with McLaren.
Speaking on Conor Daly’s Speed Street podcast, O’Ward explained that while his time around Formula 1 has been valuable, the novelty has worn off, replaced by a grounded appreciation for his current reality.
“I’m grateful for the experiences and everything I’ve learned in the world of Formula 1,” he said. “And obviously, driving those cars, especially in recent years, has been an incredible experience, just feeling what they are capable of.”
Finding Peace and a Future in IndyCar
Despite appreciating the opportunity to work with McLaren’s F1 operation, O’Ward admitted that his priorities have changed dramatically. Rather than waiting for an elusive race seat, he believes he’s already exactly where he wants to be.
“But I think I’m in a different moment in my life now, and I no longer care,” he added. “There is nothing in me that drives me to continue as a reserve in Formula 1, because I’m in a great moment in IndyCar. I love the category. That’s where I want to be.”
These remarks represent a striking departure from the narrative that has followed O’Ward for much of his career. Instead of treating Formula 1 as the ultimate destination, the Arrow McLaren driver has effectively declared that IndyCar is home. His commitment is reinforced by his future, with six-time champion Scott Dixon joining their team and returning driver Felix Rosenqvist—marking the final year of O’Ward’s current contract.
Revealing that he has requested a release from his Formula 1 responsibilities, O’Ward admitted that the current generation of Grand Prix machinery simply doesn’t appeal to him: “I’m not excited to drive one, so I have kindly asked to be dismissed from all my services in Formula 1.”
Instead, he believes IndyCar delivers exactly what he wants from motorsport: “it is the best place for more racing. Simple as that. I think many may have a different opinion. But for me, that’s where I’m happy.”
While many drivers continue to view Formula 1 as the ultimate measure of success, O’Ward insists he has no reason to pursue greater fame or a larger paycheck.
“I don’t need to be more famous. I don’t need more money. I’m already in a position that I never thought I would reach when I was younger. I am very fortunate.”
Those words may finally put an end to the persistent Formula 1 rumors that have surrounded him for years. Rather than keeping one eye on the Grand Prix paddock, O’Ward has made it plain that his future and his passion lie on the IndyCar grid.
Zak Brown’s Multi-Discipline Ambitions
The CEO of McLaren, Zak Brown, is building a multi-discipline racing organization and expects to not only be running cars in F1 and IndyCar, but the World Endurance Championship too in the Hypercar category. He recently admitted he persistently suggests to Fernando Alonso that he should have another crack at the Indy 500. A win for the Spaniard would see him become only the second driver after Graham Hill to complete the motorsport triple crown—Monaco, Le Mans, and the Indy 500.
“I talk to him about it like every time I see him,” Brown said. “I think we’ve got a car that can win the Indy 500. And I think he’s very capable of winning the Indy 500.”
While there has been ‘no room’ at the McLaren inn for Pato O’Ward, it appears should Max Verstappen make himself available, Zak Brown in a heartbeat would find a way to ensure the Dutch driver was behind the wheel of a papaya-coloured car for 2027.
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A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Andrew oversees editorial standards and contributes to the site’s Formula 1 coverage. A career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media, Andrew trained in investigative journalism and has written for a range of European sports outlets.
At TJ13, Andrew plays a central role in shaping the site’s output, working across breaking news, analysis, and long-form features. Andrew’s responsibilities include fact-checking, refining editorial structure, and ensuring consistency in reporting across a fast-moving news cycle.
Andrew’s work focuses particularly on the intersection of Formula 1 politics, regulation, and team strategy. Andrew closely follows developments involving the FIA, team leadership, and driver market dynamics, helping to provide context behind the sport’s biggest stories.
With experience covering multiple seasons of Formula 1’s modern hybrid era, Andrew has developed a detailed understanding of how regulatory changes and competitive shifts influence the grid. Andrew’s editorial approach prioritises clarity and context, aiming to help readers navigate complex developments within the sport.
In addition to editorial duties, Andrew is particularly interested in how media narratives shape fan perception of Formula 1, and how reporting can balance speed with accuracy in an increasingly digital news environment.
