“I still get goosebumps”: When IndyCar star Pato O'Ward explained the feeling of driving an F1 car to Romain Grosjean

Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward once shared his experience of driving an F1 car with Romain Grosjean. In the 2022 season, O'Ward, at the FP1 in Abu Dhabi, took the reins of McLaren's MCL36, the car the British outfit used in the same campaign.

It is not uncommon for open-wheel drivers from the United States to try their hands on an F1 ride. Same was the case with two IndyCar drivers in 2022, when Chip Ganassi Racing's Alex Palou and Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward tested out F1 rides on different occasions.

After being a part of McLaren F1's post-season testing in 2021, O'Ward's first official Formula 1 outing came during the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. The Mexican, a former Indy Lights champion, took over Lando Norris' ride during FP1 at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Sharing his experience driving an F1 car, O'Ward reflected on the sheer speed and precision of the car. In an interview with Romain Grosjean, a former F1 driver and currently PREMA Racing's reserve driver in IndyCar, O'Ward revealed:

"I was mind-blown with what the car is capable of. They say 'yeah they're so quick and they do this and that.' But when you're in the car and you're approaching the corner, there's no way this car is gonna stop. There's no way this car is gonna be flat."

He added:

"One of the best experiences I've ever had in a race car, in Abu Dhabi, Turn 1, and then 2 and 3. The change in direction from 2 and 3. Man my smile inside the helmet! I still get goosebumps when I think about it."

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Pato O'Ward divulged in Formula 1 cars' braking system

Pato O'Ward was equally impressed with the braking capabilities of the McLaren MCL36. He further revealed during the same interview:

"I was mind blown with how little pressure you need to apply to the break for the car to just 'boom!' You're applying more than double the pressure than what was ideal from Lando and Daniel. So, I was like, 'wait what?' So that was hard to comprehend."

The 25-year-old, who finished the 2024 season in fifth place, added:

"You gave it a nice smack but it's not as hard as you can. And the thing stops like... The ride is so nice, the power delivery, the gear box. I got to drive Mika's car in Laguna. I loved the engine noise. The weight that the engine pulled.. Oh man, amazing!"

Pato O'Ward was McLaren's reserve driver for the 2024 season. He will continue with this role entering 2025 as the Surrey-based outfit sets out to defend it's constructors' championship.