McLaren reserve driver Pato O’Ward says he no longer follows Formula 1, admitting the sport doesn’t hold the same interest for him as it once did.
O’Ward became a test driver for McLaren in 2022 and stepped up to reserve driver in 2024. He has participated in five practice sessions, with his most recent outings coming at last year’s Mexico City and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
His main commitment remains the IndyCar championship, where he drives for Arrow McLaren. Last season, he finished second in the standings behind Alex Palou.
Pato O’Ward admits he hasn’t watched an F1 race in 2024
O’Ward was on the Formula Latina podcast ahead of this weekend’s Indy500 and admitted he wasn’t sure how McLaren performed in Miami, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both made the podium.
Qualifying has also come under fire, with drivers frustrated that energy management limits how much they can push. O’Ward, though, isn’t tuning into the races either.
At 27, an F1 seat looks out of reach for O’Ward now, not that he seems too bothered. He says he’s perfectly happy competing in IndyCar instead.
“I haven’t even watched a Formula 1 race,” said O’Ward. “I don’t even watch qualifying anymore. I don’t see anything, but they did well in Miami, right? I don’t even remember. I think one of them finished on the podium or both of them finished on the podium?
“I know I’m part of the reserve team and all that but I don’t know – I’ve lost interest a lot. I don’t know if it’s the years but right now where Formula 1 is it doesn’t appeal to me.”
Norris joins Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso among those openly criticising this year’s regulations.
Many have noted that Verstappen seems more content racing GT3 cars these days, while Lance Stroll has also spent time sportscar racing this season.
If F1 continues to leave some drivers feeling unsatisfied, more could start exploring other racing options outside the series.
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