Career Timeline of Pato O'Ward: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Pato O'Ward built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Pato O'Ward is a Mexican IndyCar Series driver for Arrow McLaren, piloting the No. 5 Chevrolet. He is part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme and serves as a reserve driver for their Formula One team. A notable achievement in his career is winning the 2018 Indy Lights championship.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Adrian Fernandez Last IndyCar Win

In 2004, Adrian Fernandez was the last Mexican driver to win an IndyCar race before Pato O'Ward's win in 2021.

2005: Karting Career Start

In 2005, Pato O'Ward began his racing career in karting.

2012: End of Karting Career

In 2012, Pato O'Ward's Karting career ended.

2013: Open-Wheel Racing Debut

In 2013, Pato O'Ward transitioned to open-wheel racing, competing in Latam Fórmula 2000, Formula Renault 1.6 NEC, and Pacific F2000.

2014: French F4 Championship

In 2014, Pato O'Ward competed in the French F4 Championship.

2015: Pro Mazda Championship Debut

In 2015, Pato O'Ward debuted in the Pro Mazda Championship with Team Pelfrey, finishing sixth in the championship.

2016: Pro Mazda Championship Runner-Up

In 2016, Pato O'Ward returned to compete with Team Pelfrey in the Pro Mazda Championship, finishing the season as championship runner-up.

2016: Last Chevrolet non-Team Penske Win

In 2016, it was the last time a Chevrolet driver not from Team Penske to win before Pato O'Ward's win in 2021.

2017: SportsCar Championship and Victories

In 2017, Pato O'Ward won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in the PC class, becoming the youngest driver to achieve this. He also won the 2017 Prototype Challenge drivers championship and the North American Endurance Cup.

2018: Indy Lights Champion

In 2018, Pato O'Ward became the Indy Lights champion.

2018: IndyCar Series Debut at Sonoma Raceway

In 2018, following his Indy Lights championship win, Pato O'Ward debuted in the IndyCar Series at Sonoma Raceway with Harding Racing, qualifying fifth and finishing ninth, tying with David Martínez for the best debut finish by a Mexican driver in American open-wheel racing.

February 2019: Release from Harding Steinbrenner Racing

In February 2019, Pato O'Ward was granted his release from Harding Steinbrenner Racing due to sponsorship issues, despite being scheduled to pilot the No. 8 entry for the IndyCar Series full-time.

May 2019: Joining Red Bull Junior Team

In May 2019, Pato O'Ward was signed to the Red Bull Junior Team.

2019: Part-Time Deal with Carlin

In 2019, Pato O'Ward joined Carlin on a part-time deal, participating in thirteen IndyCar races, including a failed attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500; he finished 26th in points, with a best finish of eighth at the Circuit of the Americas.

2019: Release from Red Bull

In 2019, Pato O'Ward was granted an early release from his contract with Red Bull after three Super Formula rounds.

2020: Signing with Arrow McLaren SP

In 2020, Pato O'Ward signed a deal with Arrow McLaren SP to return to IndyCar.

2020: Unable to Race Formula One in 2020

In 2020, Pato O'Ward was unable to attain the required Super License points to race Formula One, due to a decision by the FIA to award fewer points for his Indy Lights championship win, so he was not retained by Red Bull.

November 2021: First Formula One Car Experience

On November 14, 2021, Pato O'Ward demonstrated a McLaren MP4/13 at Laguna Seca, surpassing his previous fastest lap time in the Dallara DW12 with the UAK18 aero kit.

December 2021: Abu Dhabi F1 Test

On December 14, 2021, Pato O'Ward tested the MCL35M in Abu Dhabi, finishing fourth-fastest after completing 92 laps, but rumors of him moving to Formula 1 were dismissed.

2021: Championship Contender and A.J. Foyt Cup Winner

In 2021, Pato O'Ward contested for the IndyCar series title at Long Beach but retired due to a broken driveshaft; he finished third in the championship and won the A.J. Foyt Cup as the highest-scoring driver on oval courses.

2021: Maiden IndyCar Victory

In 2021, Pato O'Ward earned his first IndyCar victory at the Texas Motor Speedway, becoming the first Mexican driver to win an IndyCar race since Adrian Fernandez in 2004 and the first Chevrolet driver not from Team Penske to win since 2016.

May 2022: Contract Extension with Arrow McLaren SP

On May 27, 2022, Pato O'Ward announced he had signed a three-year contract extension with Arrow McLaren SP.

July 2022: Confirmed for Additional F1 Tests

In July 2022, Pato O'Ward was confirmed for additional Formula One tests with McLaren, including possible race weekend practice time.

September 2022: F1 Test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

In September 2022, Pato O'Ward carried out another test with McLaren at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with Álex Palou.

2022: 24 Hours of Daytona Win

In 2022, Pato O'Ward participated in and won the 24 Hours of Daytona in the LMP2 class with DragonSpeed.

April 2023: Joining McLaren Driver Development Programme

In April 2023, Pato O'Ward signed to McLaren's new Driver Development Programme.

2023: 2023 IndyCar Season

In 2023, Pato O'Ward's performance at Long Beach was criticized after causing Scott Dixon to crash, and he crashed out of the Indianapolis 500. He ultimately finished fourth in the championship.

2024: Free Practice Appearance at Mexico City Grand Prix

In 2024, Pato O'Ward made his first free practice appearance of the season during the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing the session in thirteenth, marking his first time competing in a Formula One session within his home country.

2024: 2024 IndyCar Season

In 2024, Pato O'Ward was awarded the win at St. Petersburg, after Josef Newgarden was found to have violated push to pass regulations. He also finished second in the Indianapolis 500 and secured his second win of the year at Mid-Ohio, becoming the first driver to win in IndyCar's hybrid powertrain era. He secured his first season of more than two wins on the year.

2024: Confirmed as McLaren Reserve Driver

In 2024, Pato O'Ward was confirmed as one of McLaren's reserve drivers for the Formula One season.

2025: 2025 IndyCar Season

In 2025, Pato O'Ward finished third in the Indianapolis 500 and earned his eighth-career victory at Iowa 1, also winning at Toronto.

2025: Free Practice Return

In 2025, Pato O'Ward made his free practice return during the Mexico City Grand Prix for McLaren. He also participated in the young drivers' test at the Yas Marina Circuit.