From McLaren they have recognized on several occasions that they consider Patricio O’Ward as a clear candidate who could make the leap from IndyCar to Formula 1.
However, his opportunities to drive a top-flight single-seater in motorsport have been fairly limited and for that reason his only appearance, so far, was during rookie testing in Abu Dhabi late last year.
However, with new Formula 1 rules requiring teams to put rookie drivers in their cars for at least two Friday practice sessions in 2022, O’Ward is likely to get a track start at some point. grand prize this season.
Beyond that, McLaren want to ensure that when the time comes, the Mexican driver is as well prepared as possible, which is why they have committed to running a testing program with a 2021 car to help him.
That option would not have been possible without a change in the F1 rules for 2022. Now the FIA no longer prohibits teams from doing private tests with the cars of the previous year, as was the case until now, due to their great difference with respect to the new generation of single-seaters.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said the new regulations meant his team would commit to leaving its 2021 MCL35M to its young drivers, with O’Ward the prime candidate to enjoy such testing.
“In F1, for the first time in a long time and due to the big rule change, last year’s car will be allowed to be tested,” said Brown. “So we want to go back to having a testing program like we had in the past.”
“We have to put a rookie driver in two [Friday FP1] due to the new F1 rules, but we haven’t decided who to put in. But he is certainly a candidate,” he said when asked about the Mexican driver.
Brown claimed that McLaren ‘s intention to help someone like O’Ward make the move from IndyCar to Formula 1 would be based more on his performance in a top-flight car than on his success on American tracks.
“If he gets to F1, it will be more because of what he is capable of doing with the F1 car, and that is why we have to do tests. It is not a question of winning there [in IndyCar], but to see what he can do. do during F1 testing and compare it to Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo and other drivers.
“Winning the [IndyCar] championship doesn’t mean you can adapt to F1, just like not winning the championship doesn’t mean you won’t adapt. And that’s why we’ve put this testing program in place.
Although O’Ward is the candidate with the most ballots to enjoy these tests and ride on Friday Grand Prix with McLaren , Brown assured that they are also considering other drivers, and Colton Herta has been speculated.
As to whether there was any chance of another IndyCar driver besides O’Ward being in his plans, Brown said: “It could be.”
Speaking more specifically about whether McLaren could help Michael Andretti get Herta a seat, Brown said: “Colton? If you asked me nicely… I think Colton is a very good driver. He has driven very impressively.” , he concluded.
