IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward is a famous name popping up a lot in association with a McLaren F1 seat. In fact, he recently opened up and revealed how he indeed wants to join F1. And with Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren time possibly nearing its end, the British team has already started looking for other options. This, understandably, includes him too.

The 23-year -old, though, faces stiff competition from others, still remains a priority name for racing alongside Lando Norris. Moreover, the Mexican’s career stats speak for themselves. He currently drives for Arrow McLaren SP and sits P2 on the drivers’ table. And, with just a gap of 13 points from table leader Marcus Ericsson, the young driver is possibly close to a titular win.

Pato O’Ward talks about his F1 chances

In a recent interview, the IndyCar driver spoke to famed journalist Kym Illman regarding his chances in F1. We famously know Pato to be an F1 enthusiast. He has even taken part in the Formula One Rookie Test event held in Abu Dhabi for McLaren.

On being asked, “Is F1 your goal?”, the driver confessed, “It’s gotta be right? I grew up watching F1 and loving Formula 1 kind of opened the doors to other sort of motor sports for me. It’s the pinnacle always will be the pinnacle and it’s what made me fall in love with the sports so obviously if an opportunity were to come you gotta take it right.”

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Illman then popped up the million-dollar question, “What’s your percentage chance of getting into F1?”. To this O’Ward gave some thought and replied frankly, “I think it all depends on well, first of all getting my super license and the seat. There’s gotta be a seat that opens up. My best in would be with McLaren but before I leave here, I’d love to give them their first 500 and their first championship. That is one goal that I have that I’d love to..”

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Notably, the driver showed his mettle at Indianapolis 500. While he managed a 4th place finish that season, he stood second this year. Hopefully, like this, nothing will stop him from finally sitting in a McLaren F1 car.

Other people are also in contention for the McLaren seat

With his current Indy form, and Ricciardo‘s season, things might just work out for the driver. However, Pierre Gasly and even Colton Herta are two incredible talents that can be considered for the sought-after seat. Gasly, out of the two, presumably looks like a very optimal candidate as of now.

The Frenchman has years of experience in F1 and arguably deserves a better car. Red Bull demoted the driver to a lower rank after he failed to meet their expectations.

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However, Gasly has redeemed himself since then and given some wonderful performances. So, should Pato be given a chance? or Gasly needs to take this seat?