McLaren Racing today announced that Pato O’Ward has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team ahead of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
Pato, 24, is entering his fifth full season in the series, all with Arrow McLaren, and has established himself as one of the sport’s top drivers. Since joining the team, Pato has made 64 race starts and secured four wins, five poles, 20 podium finishes and three top-four finishes in the series championship.
Last season, Pato and the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished fourth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship after claiming seven podiums, including four runner-up finishes. He also became eligible for his super license after reaching the points threshold following the season, leading to his appointment as a 2024 McLaren Racing F1 Reserve Driver. Pato will fulfill his reserve driver duties for the team following the INDYCAR season.
Pato remains one of the most popular figures in the series, driving significant fan engagement through social media and at-track activations throughout the country.
Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:
“This is a big day for the team and for Pato. It’s been great to see Pato and the team grow together. We’re thrilled to continue racing with him and I look forward to showing the racing world what we can achieve as a group. Having this done and dusted before the start of the season means the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew can go into the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg free from distraction and with one goal in mind: to execute each race weekend to the fullest of our potential.”
Pato O’Ward, Driver, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, said:
“I couldn’t be more excited to sign this deal with the team. I have to thank Zak and Gavin, the partners and all who were involved in making this happen, especially before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts so we can focus on racing and winning. McLaren has become home for me, and I am proud that I’ll be racing in papaya for a few more years at least.”
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 20 Formula 1 world championships, 183 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across six racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi and David Malukas, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes and Sam Bird, the Extreme E Championship with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team drivers Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekström, and F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix and Driver Development programme member Bianca Bustamante. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow, having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
