McLaren-backed IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward recently had his first experience in an F1 cockpit. The 2018 Indy Lights champion was a part of Mclaren’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi. While regular driver Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo tested the F1 chassis with 18-inch tires, the young Mexican took the wheel of the 2021 Mclaren F1 car.

Many F1 pundits predicted he might be an upcoming face in the sport. McLaren CEO Zak Brown promised the young gun a chance in an F1 car soon, which he ultimately got during the young drivers’ test. His reaction after piloting the top flight was top-notch. In a tweet posted by the Woking them on their official handle, O’ Ward could be heard saying, “Oh my god! The grip, man, is crazy. By the end of the day, my head is going to be falling off for sure. I’m frigging’ in love with this thing.”

However, he is not the regular face in F1, and chances of being there anytime soon are pretty slim. He is currently driving for the Arrow McLaren SP team in the NTT Indycar series. The 22-year-old took his McLaren to the chequered flag twice in the 2020 edition of the Indycar series finishing 3rd overall in the standings.

Pato O’Ward still considering moving to F1

The young gun is currently aiming at the first championship win in the NTT IndyCar series. He clarified this in a recent interview reported by SoyMotor. O’Ward said that if he gets an opportunity to be in F1, he’ll grab it with both hands, but his priorities at the moment are different.

“Right now I only have one goal, which is IndyCar. I want to give these McLaren guys their first championship, their first Indianapolis 500, that’s my goal,” said O’ Ward as reported by SoyMotor.

“Who knows if Formula 1 will be an option or not in the future. Obviously, if the opportunity presents itself, I will take it; as any driver in my position would do. It’s Formula 1, what I grew up seeing and dreaming about; and the dreams you have as a child never go away.”

“Now I have a challenge here. I want people to enjoy me in IndyCar, what this championship has to offer. I’ll tell you when I go to Formula 1… but for now, enjoy me in IndyCar,” he added.

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The 17-race season will kick-start in St Petersburg on February 27 and the last race is scheduled to take place in Laguna Seca on September 11.