Pato O’Ward Hospitalized After 30-Lap FP1 Stint in Lando Norris’ Mclaren at Mexico GP
Mexican driver Pato O'Ward who raced in Lando Norris' MCL-39 during the FP1 session has been hospitalized after suffering from food poisoning.
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Pato O'Ward (via The NY Times), Lando Norris (via Getty)
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Multiple rookies participated in the Mexican GP FP1 session to fulfill FIA regulations of fielding rookie drivers in the car during the practice sessions. As such, Lando Norris did not partake in the FP1 session as Pato O’Ward raced in the MCL-39 for one hour. However, the session turned out to be disastrous for O’Ward as he was hospitalized right after the tolling session.
Reportedly, Pato O’Ward was unwell before the race weekend but fit enough to participate in the FP1 session and fulfill his duties. The local hero was able to field over 30 laps and achieve a lap time good enough to grant him the 13th position out of the 20 total drivers. Despite his health difficulties, his session wasn’t affected, and he completed the entire season.
Immediately after finishing FP1, Pato O’Ward was rushed to the hospital for a health checkup. Reportedly, the Mexican was given IV fluids due to excessive dehydration. Moreover, he was provided medications for stomach pain following his outing in the FP1 session. O’Ward was suffering from food poisoning over the race weekend and hence suffered from other complications during his outing on the F1 track.
Despite health complications, McLaren released a press note where Pato O’Ward talked about his outing on the track. Though no updates have been shared on his current health condition and recovery. O’Ward insisted that McLaren finished the entire program planned for him in the FP1 session. He added that he enjoyed the opportunity to help Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in their championship ambitions.
We ran through the programme we had planned for the day successfully, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support Lando and Oscar on their championship runs with time in the car today. I’m excited to see the team finish up the weekend strong.
Pato O’Ward said in a McLaren press release.
Pato O’Ward reveals ‘very special’ outing at FP1 of the Mexico GP
Pato O’Ward is a Mexican driver, and he achieved a coveted opportunity to race in front of the home crowd on Friday. As such, the fans reciprocated their love for the sport and the driver with great enthusiasm and helped him feel right at home. O’Ward was delighted with such a warm reception by the local fans and revealed his feelings following the culmination of the session.
Despite battling with food poisoning, Pato O’Ward showed up for the fans and put forth some impressive lap times. O’Ward noted that being back on the Mexican track was very special for him. He acknowledged that throughout the weekend, the fans had been passionate and loud in their support towards the former. As such, he thanked McLaren for providing him with the great opportunity, especially on his home soil of Mexico.
Being back on track in Mexico is so special to me, All week, the fans have been passionate and loud, making me feel right at home again. I want to thank the team for putting me in the seat.
Pato O’Ward noted.
All the fans and members of the team would eagerly wait for updates on Pato O’Ward’s health, as he is definitely loved a lot by the local crowd. For now, McLaren’s focus will be fully on both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s championship ambitions in the 2025 season.
The team definitely took in great learnings about the car following O’Ward’s outing in the FP1 session. Since the Mexican driver was unable to participate in the post-session debrief, there were minimal things to look back on in the session.
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