O’Ward will continue to sport the distinctive papaya colors for a few more years. Arrow McLaren has officially announced that their talented driver, Pato O’Ward, has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to continue driving for the team in their IndyCar program.
Although specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed, information from McLaren’s legal proceedings against Alex Palou suggests that the extension will cover an additional two years.
Committing to stay with McLaren until the 2027 racing season, this will allow O’Ward to further develop his career with the renowned motorsport giant.
Expressing his excitement, O’Ward stated, “I am absolutely thrilled to have signed this contract with the team. I am grateful to Zak Brown, Gavin Ward, the partners, and everyone involved in making this possible, especially before the start of the NTT IndyCar Series season. Now, we can fully focus on racing and the pursuit of victory.”
O’Ward also expressed his pride in racing in the iconic papaya colors in the foreseeable future.
In addition, McLaren confirmed that O’Ward will continue to be the reserve driver for their F1 team in 2024. This role will involve assisting the team in testing and participating in Free Practice sessions whenever his schedule allows.
After the conclusion of the IndyCar season in mid-September, the 24-year-old Mexican driver will primarily focus on his duties in the F1 series.
Team Principal Gavin Ward expressed his excitement about the contract extension, stating, “This is a significant day for the team and for Pato. It has been incredible to witness Pato’s and the team’s growth together. We are delighted to continue our partnership with him and look forward to showcasing our collective potential to the world of racing.”
Finalizing this agreement before the start of the season allows the Chevrolet Arrow McLaren team #5 to approach the St. Petersburg Grand Prix without distractions, fully dedicated to maximizing their performance in each race weekend.
For the 2024 IndyCar season, O’Ward will join Alexander Rossi and David Malukas. However, Malukas will miss the first events as he recovers from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident.
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