‘Why not in Mexico?’ F1 Twitter reacts to IndyCar’s Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou getting FP1 sessions with McLaren

‘Why not in Mexico?’ F1 Twitter reacts to IndyCar’s Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou getting FP1 sessions with McLaren

Pato O'Ward (L) Alex Palou (R)

McLaren have announced that the IndyCar duo of Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou will be driving in FP1 sessions in the next two races of the season. Palou, the 2021 IndyCar champion, will replace Daniel Ricciardo at the United States Grand Prix, while O’Ward will replace Lando Norris in FP1 of the season finale, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On being granted the opportunity, Alex Palou said: “I’m so excited to be making my F1 weekend debut. It’s great to be driving in the United States in front of fans that may have seen me race in INDYCAR. Having driven the 2021 McLaren MCL35M in a few tests now, I can’t wait to put the MCL36 through its paces. I look forward to helping the team in their preparation for the 2022 United States Grand Prix.”

Pato O’Ward has also been testing the MCL35M, and he said in the announcement post on McLaren’s website: “I can’t wait to get out on track in Abu Dhabi. I’ve developed as a driver and had a lot of fun testing last year’s car with the team, so it will be a great experience to drive the MCL36. Thank you McLaren F1 for the opportunity.”

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Fans disappointed that Pato O’Ward will not get the session in Mexico

Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward
Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward

Pato O’Ward drives for Arrow McLaren in the IndyCar series, while Alex Palou currently drives for Chip Ganassi, and tests the McLaren MCL35M from 2021. While Palou intended to completely join McLaren, Chip Ganassi did not see it that way. They had already announced him remaining in the team for 2023, and so they even filed a civil lawsuit against him.

Later, an agreement was reached that saw him remain at his current team but was signed by the British team to test their car. Somewhat like the Piastri situation, but McLaren lost out that time.

Pato O’Ward also announced that he will be in the US and Mexico supporting the team. The translation: “Excited to share with you that I will be in the McLaren F1 car for Practice 1 in Abu Dhabi to close out the F1 World Championship. And for everyone who has asked me… YES I WILL BE in Austin and Mexico supporting the team!”

Fans are incredibly pleased to see both drivers get the opportunity to drive in FP1, but some wanted O’Ward in particular to do so in his home Grand Prix weekend in Mexico.

Regardless, it is surely a great opportunity for the pair of them, and congratulations were in order.

Translation: ‘How great you are Alex’
‘I have the feeling that the Barcelona test went well… Let’s go Alex!!’
‘CONGRATULATIONS !! How nice that you have this opportunity! We would have loved to see you run in Mexico!! But wherever we support you’

These two FP1 sessions are in accordance with the mandate of giving ‘young’ or ‘rookie’ drivers a run in FP1. This means a driver who has not taken part in more than two Grands Prix. Some were hoping that Oscar Piastri might be given this opportunity, but that has not worked out.

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