F1 news: McLaren’s Pato O’Ward rejects Formula 1 dream over 2026 ‘Mario Kart’ regulations
McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward has given up on his dream of driving in Formula 1 – not due to his age or continued success in IndyCar, but purely because of F1’s new “Mario Kart” style of racing.
Although O’Ward remains a reserve driver for McLaren, he is no longer looking for a potential seat in the sport as he, like many others, is not a big fan of the new regulations.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a closer look at O’Ward’s thoughts on the new regulations and why his dream no longer lies in F1.
O’Ward rejects Mario Kart–style racing
The Mexican driver has spent the last four seasons building his profile as a McLaren reserve while racing in IndyCar for the Arrow McLaren outfit.
Having featured in a couple of FP1 sessions, it seemed as if F1 was his big dream, but that’s not the case anymore.
Asked by Fox Deportes if F1 is still the target, O’Ward said: “Every year, it has changed more.
“Honestly, the new Formula 1 cars – what the series has done has been a mistake. The truth is, when you look at them, they are artificial.
“The hunger I had to get to Formula 1 wasn’t for fame or money. It was because the cars were something impressive. Driving those cars was something impressive.
“You don’t want to be flipping a switch to say: ‘Oh, I’m going to press it to pass him artificially.’
“It’s not Mario Kart – we’re racing here. Honestly, I have zero desire to be part of that.”
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IndyCar the best form of racing
Frustrated with the direction of modern F1 regulations, O’Ward regards IndyCar as the best and purest environment for a driver.
“I feel that right now, today, this is the best series for a driver who wants to race, here in IndyCar,” he stated.
“Formula 1 right now is an artificial show, and honestly, I have zero desire for it. It doesn’t grab my attention.”
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