Overview
- Pato O’Ward, McLaren’s reserve driver, told Fox Deportes he no longer wants a Formula 1 seat under the current rules.
- He criticized button-activated passing aids and said, “It’s not Mario Kart, we’re racing,” in a swipe at F1’s overtake tools.
- He pointed to the 2026 hybrid format that splits power about 50/50 between the engine and battery as a key reason for his stance.
- O’Ward said he is content in IndyCar, which he described as the better place for drivers who want pure wheel-to-wheel racing.
- He remains McLaren’s third driver with five F1 practice outings and said a late-year test or FP1 is possible but not confirmed.