Patricio “Pato” O’Ward was born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1999, beginning his racing career not long after, starting karting at just the age of six. Showing raw talent from an early age, Pato split his childhood between Mexico and Texas, before eventually moving to moving to France in 2013 to compete in the French F4 Championship. The next year he would return to the U.S. and start the Road to Indy ladder. This set him on a course to where he is today, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Pato is part of a flood of youth and talent coming into INDYCAR, and at 23-years-old, he’s bringing the next generation of superstars to one of the most exciting racing products in the world. He is full of passion for his sport, his family, and his country. Being the only Mexican driver currently in the series, Pato taps into one of the most diehard motor sports fanbases in the world and has an incredibly loyal following both at the racetrack and on social media.
This following has only grown as the young driver finds success in America, winning the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 2017, and more recently 2021, in additional to an Indy Lights championship in 2018. This momentum has already carried over into his first full-time season in INDYCAR, where he was one of six drivers selected for a national marketing campaign and on the track, he has already captured multiple race wins and secured third in the 2021 championship race. In 2022, he won two races, captured one pole and finished on the podium four times, while running runner-up in the Indianapolis 500.
All it takes is watching him for a few laps and you’ll understand the appeal of a driver like Pato O’Ward, who makes the most of every second he has on track. His talent, combined with a massive, fan-friendly personality, creates a winning combination that isn’t often found in the world of sports. If you are looking for a youthful, vibrant, force to be reckoned with – look no further. In 2023, he will be teammates with Felix Rosenqvist and Alexander Rossi in the team’s expanding three-car lineup.
