"It's a roller coaster of a journey" - McLaren’s Pato O'Ward shares his racing career beginnings with Lindsay Brewer

Lindsay Brewer caught up with McLaren's IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward for a few questions and asked him about his racing career beginnings at the Las Vegas GP. Brewer attended the race as the Ambassador for Mastercard. Mastercard debuted its presence on the McLaren MCL38 in Sin City and invited multiple ambassadors to the ensuing celebration commemorating the partnership.

Following this, Brewer posted a reel on her Instagram in collaboration with Mastercard. The Indy NXT sensation asked Pato O'Ward, "What sparked your passion and made you get into motorsports?"

Pato O’Ward replied:

"I got on a go-kart when I was six years old. Since then I'm like, ‘I like this’ and then I went to a race. It started as a hobby and then turned into something where I was like, ‘Maybe I want to do this forever’. It's a rollercoaster of a journey but I wouldn't change it for anything. I love it.”

Lindsay Brewer went on to ask questions about Pato O’Ward’s favorite experience while traveling with McLaren's F1 team. She concluded the video by asking the Arrow McLaren driver about his most memorable race. The Mexican replied, “I would say my first win in IndyCar was really special.”

Lindsay Brewer later posted multiple stories on her Instagram account showing her support for McLaren at the Las Vegas GP. The American model opted for a ‘Papaya Orange’ minidress with a similarly toned fur coat for the event.

Regardless, Pato O’Ward continues to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time F1 driver. The Mexican got a shot at driving an F1 car in front of his home crowd earlier this year.

“Really special”: Pato O’Ward on his emotional drive at the Mexican GP

Pato O’Ward was given the opportunity to drive McLaren's F1 car at the 2024 Mexican GP. The Arrow McLaren driver finished the session in P13 with 21 laps on board. He opened up about his emotions after the practice session.

F1 Grand Prix of Mexico - Qualifying - Source: Getty

According to IndyCar.com, Pato O'Ward said:

"Turning laps in Mexico, in front of the home crowd, I haven’t had a chance to do it at a professional level yet. This is the closest I’ve ever come to doing that. I know this wasn’t a race, but driving a Formula One car in front of the home crowd is really special.”

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez also backed his compatriot to eventually drive for an F1 team permanently, as he shared the track with O'Ward in the 2024 Mexican GP's FP1 session.

No seat is vacant in the McLaren F1 team, at least for the near future, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri signing long-term contracts. However, Pato O'Ward continues to remain an integral part of the McLaren driver development program.