Pato O’Ward will be driving for McLaren in Abu Dhabi for FP1

Little by little, the stables are releasing information regarding the track sessions of their young drivers. After Alfa Romeo, who announced the presence of Théo Pourchaire in the C43 and Isack Hadjar, who will drive either for AlphaTauri or Red Bull at the end of the season, it is now McLaren’s turn to speak.

The stable managed by Zak Brown has announced that Pato O’Ward will be behind the wheel during the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi, the last race of the season. He had already tested the papaya-colored cars last year during the same event. This test is part of the sessions reserved for young drivers.

The British team also announced that the Mexican will stay after the Grand Prix to take part in other tests reserved for rookies. McLaren’s objective is to provide Pato O’Ward with more experience. This is now easier since the team is in conflict with their other driver, Alex Palou.

Soon the Super License

Regarding the two main events that would have involved either Alex or Pato, we still have an EL1 session to do, where we need what is called a young driver, meaning a driver who has not participated in more than two races. Then we have the post-Abu Dhabi tests. Initially, these appointments would have been shared between the two of them, but naturally, in this situation, we will have Pato behind the wheel for EL1 in Abu Dhabi, and I can confirm that he will also drive on Tuesday after the race in Abu Dhabi, says Andrea Stella, the team director.

With these F1 test drives and his seasons in IndyCar, the Mexican driver will be eligible for the Super Licence and could therefore become a reserve driver.

With Pato O’Ward at the wheel, in Abu Dhabi, McLaren will have allowed two rookie drivers to participate in a testing session this season. The first one to do so was Oscar Piastri, during the first Grand Prix.