Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Zak Brown discuss Pato O'Ward's NASCAR and F1 future

During the latest episode of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast, McLaren CEO Zak Brown discussed Pato O'Ward's potential crossover into NASCAR and Formula 1. This conversation followed the announcement of Kyle Larson participating in next year's Indy 500 and his second attempt at double duty. Rick Hendrick revealed that the team would give precedence to the Coca-Cola 600 race.

Consequently, the Arrow McLaren team, with which the Hendrick Motorsports driver, Kyle Larson, will compete at the Indy 500, has earmarked the 25-year-old O'Ward. Brown highlighted O'Ward's versatility and potential for competing across different categories, hinting at a possible crossover similar to Larson's foray with McLaren at the Indy 500.

However, Brown envisions broader horizons for Pato O'Ward, including potential entries in NASCAR events like the Xfinity race in Mexico or the Daytona 500. During his appearance on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast, Brown shared:

"If we can get him in the Xfinity race that would be, that would be cool, I love that stuff. So I'd love to see Pato do that. Right now it conflicts. What else can we do with Hendrick Motorsport? Maybe there's something, you know, Pato at the Daytona 500. How cool would that be? That would be cool. I'm sure Rick would do anything you wanted." (00:41)

Not only Zak Brown but even Pato O’Ward has also previously expressed to RACER’s Marshall Pruett his desire to participate in the NASCAR race in Mexico City and get a seat in 2026.

In related news, next year Kyle Larson will become the third driver to undertake the challenge of double duty multiple times, joining an elite group as only the fifth NASCAR driver to attempt the grueling 1100-mile endeavor.

---

McLaren gives Indycar driver Pato O'Ward a seat for the Mexican Grand Prix in his hometown

As per the reports, Pato O’Ward is set to make his next FP1 appearance for McLaren during the Formula 1 weekend at his home course in Mexico City next month.

The 25-year-old Pato O'Ward is slated to participate in the practice session on October 25, following the conclusion of the 2024 IndyCar season at Nashville Superspeedway. Although he has previously participated in FP1 sessions for McLaren, including two at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this occasion will be his first time driving in an official F1 session before his home audience at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

In his earlier FP1 experiences, Pato O'Ward conducted young driver test runs and tested a previous car (TPC) for the McLaren racing team. Currently positioned sixth in the IndyCar standings as the season heads into its final weekend, O'Ward serves as a reserve driver for McLaren. He shares these responsibilities with Ryo Hirakawa, having secured his FIA Super License last year.