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.

Patricio "Pato" O'Ward is a Mexican professional auto racing driver currently competing full-time in the IndyCar Series for Arrow McLaren. He drives the No. 5 Chevrolet. A notable achievement is his 2018 Indy Lights championship win. O'Ward is also part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, serving as McLaren's reserve driver in Formula One, demonstrating his versatility and potential across different racing formats.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Adrian Fernandez's Last IndyCar Win

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

2005: Karting Career Start

At the end of 2005, O'Ward began his racing career in karting.

2012: End of Karting Career

In 2012, O'Ward's karting career ended.

2013: Open-Wheel Racing Debut

In 2013, O'Ward competed in open-wheel racing, including Latam Fórmula 2000, Formula Renault 1.6 NEC, and Pacific F2000.

2014: French F4 Championship

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

2015: Pro Mazda Championship Debut

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

2016: Pro Mazda Championship Runner-Up

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

2016: Last Non-Penske Chevrolet Win

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

2017: Prototype Challenge Champion

In 2017, O'Ward competed in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, becoming the youngest driver to win both races. He also won the 2017 Prototype Challenge drivers championship and the North American Endurance Cup.

2018: Indy Lights Championship Win

In 2018, O'Ward signed with Andretti Autosport to compete in the Indy Lights championship, winning nine races and the championship, and being named Rookie of the Year.

2018: IndyCar Series Debut

In 2018, two weeks after winning the Indy Lights championship, O'Ward debuted in the IndyCar Series at Sonoma Raceway for Harding Racing, qualifying fifth and finishing ninth.

February 2019: Release from Harding Steinbrenner Racing

In February 2019, O'Ward was granted his release from Harding Steinbrenner Racing due to sponsorship issues, despite being scheduled to race full-time in the IndyCar Series with them.

May 2019: Signed to Red Bull Junior Team

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

2019: Part-Time Deal with Carlin

In 2019, O'Ward joined Carlin on a part-time deal for 13 IndyCar races, including the Indianapolis 500, where he failed to qualify, his best finish was eighth.

2019: Red Bull and Super License Issues

In 2019, O'Ward was released from Red Bull due to not obtaining enough Super License points and an IndyCar ride becoming available with McLaren.

2020: Super License Points and Formula One

In 2020, O'Ward could not race in Formula One due to the FIA awarding fewer Super License points for his Indy Lights championship, which led to him not being retained by Red Bull past 2019.

2020: First Season with Arrow McLaren SP

In 2020, O'Ward's first season with Arrow McLaren SP saw him achieve his first pole position and podium finish at Road America, finish fourth at Iowa, sixth at the Indianapolis 500, and win Rookie of the Year for the Indy 500.

November 2021: First Formula One Car Experience

On 14 November 2021, O'Ward had his first opportunity to drive a Formula One car. He demonstrated a McLaren MP4/13 at Laguna Seca and beat his fastest lap time around Laguna Seca in the Dallara DW12 with the UAK18 aero kit by over a second with the MP4/13.

December 2021: MCL35M Testing in Abu Dhabi

On 14 December 2021, O'Ward tested the MCL35M at the end of the season in Abu Dhabi, where he finished fourth-fastest after completing 92 laps.

2021: First IndyCar Victory

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

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

In 2021, O'Ward was in contention for the IndyCar Series title at the season finale, but retired due to a broken driveshaft. He finished third in the championship and won the A.J. Foyt Cup.

May 2022: Signs Three-Year Contract Extension with Arrow McLaren SP

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

July 2022: Confirmed Additional Formula One Tests

In July 2022, O'Ward was confirmed for additional Formula One tests with McLaren, along with a possibility of late-season race weekend practice time.

September 2022: Formula One Testing with McLaren

In September 2022, O'Ward participated in a test with McLaren at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, along with Álex Palou.

2022: 24 Hours of Daytona Victory

In 2022, O'Ward participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona in the LMP2 entry with DragonSpeed, winning the race.

April 2023: Signed to McLaren Driver Development Programme

In April 2023, McLaren formed a new Driver Development Programme, with O'Ward being signed to it.

2023: 2023 Season Summary

In 2023, O'Ward had a strong start with three second-place finishes but faced criticism at Long Beach. He crashed out of the Indianapolis 500 and finished fourth in the championship with the most podium and top-five finishes of his career.

2024: Mexico City Grand Prix

During the 2024 season, O'Ward made his first free practice appearance of the season during the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing the session in 13th. This marked the first time that O'Ward competed in a Formula One session within his home country.

2024: 2024 Season Wins

In 2024, O'Ward secured a win at St. Petersburg after a penalty to Newgarden and another one at Mid-Ohio, becoming the first driver to win in the IndyCar hybrid powertrain era. He secured a third win at the Milwaukee Mile, marking his first season with more than two wins.