{"id":2034626,"date":"2026-07-09T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034626"},"modified":"2026-07-09T08:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T05:00:00","slug":"mclaren-reserve-driver-asks-to-be-fired-from-f1-after-2027-seat-confirmed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034626","title":{"rendered":"McLaren reserve driver &#8216;asks to be fired from F1&#8217; after 2027 seat confirmed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>McLaren reserve driver &#8216;asks to be fired from F1&#8217; after 2027 seat confirmed<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Pato O&#8217;Ward has asked to be &#8220;fired from all my services in Formula 1&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-07-09T09:00:00+01:00\">09 Jul 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>O&#8217;Ward completes running in Abu Dhabi<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren reserve driver Pato O&#8217;Ward has &#8220;asked to be fired from all my services in Formula 1&#8221; after conceding a lack of excitement at the prospect of driving this year&#8217;s machinery.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>O&#8217;Ward shares reserve driver duties with reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. He has been a part of the McLaren family since 2020, when he joined Arrow McLaren SP in IndyCar, and was rewarded for a strong season by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown in 2021, with a seat in the post-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Private tests and FP1 outings have since followed for the Mexican, with his most recent outing in FP1 at last year&#8217;s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix now looking like it will be his last F1 experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>IndyCar star Pato O&#8217;Ward has had several F1 practice outings<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>McLaren recently confirmed that O&#8217;Ward will remain with the team into the 2027 IndyCar season, where he will partner six-time champion Scott Dixon, and the returning Felix Rosenqvist, who won this year&#8217;s Indianapolis 500.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>With his IndyCar future secure, however, O&#8217;Ward is ready to close the book on F1.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Speed Street<\/em> podcast, he said: &#8220;I&#8217;m grateful for the experiences and all I&#8217;ve been able to learn in the world of F1, and obviously, driving those cars, especially the last few years, I&#8217;ve had an amazing experience just to what they are capable of.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think I&#8217;m at a different point in my life now, and I don&#8217;t really care anymore.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-926bb4796ead93e486bf3ae3057bdb1fea6434a5955c63ea65da17490e1d0490\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;Huge&#8217; F1 announcement tease revealed to be Scott Dixon&#8217;s McLaren IndyCar move<\/li>\n<li>Pato O&#8217;Ward referenced by US Homeland Security to promote detention Centre <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThere is nothing in me that is aching me to continue as a reserve in F1. I&#8217;m in a great place in IndyCar. I love the series. That&#8217;s where I want to be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>O&#8217;Ward wins at Mid-Ohio<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>O&#8217;Ward has been a consistent front-runner in IndyCar since joining McLaren, finishing regularly in the top seven of the championship order.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of overtaking in modern F1 with a focus on electrical deployment has left many drivers frustrated, and earlier this year, O&#8217;Ward made his feelings on the topic clear, saying: \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be flipping a switch to say, \u2018Oh, I\u2019m going to press it to pass him artificially.\u2019 It\u2019s not Mario Kart; we\u2019re racing here. Honestly, I have zero desire to be part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His feelings on the matter have clearly not mellowed over time, as he added in his recent interview: &#8220;I&#8217;m not excited to drive one, so I have politely asked to be fired from all my services in F1.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I want to focus on my priorities. A lot of the time, I don&#8217;t really get to dictate my schedule at all.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the last four or five years, I haven&#8217;t been able to do really any of that, so.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI want to be able to train more; I want to be able to eat better, and just prepare for 2027, which is going to come fast.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">IndyCar<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> &#8216;Huge&#8217; F1 announcement tease revealed to be Scott Dixon&#8217;s McLaren IndyCar move <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c46de5f2636a96d9daea83fd684f1cc17e53b339024ad0a723732036b2eb429f\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-23a6687e06509f9bf8ce9bc00b5844593f96bea09ea3ef763448dc8ad706cee8\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren acquires former Andretti factory as it expands IndyCar facilities <\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/arrow-mclaren-new-shop-2026.jpeg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Arrow McLaren&apos;s new factory for 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nolan Siegel &#8220;itching&#8221; to get racing after medically cleared for IndyCar Toronto race<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/nolan-siegel-ontario-honda-dealers-indy-toronto-by-travis-hinkle_large-image-without-watermark_m137888.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Nolan Siegel at the IndyCar Toronto weekend.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nolan Siegel declared not fit for IndyCar Farm to Finish 275<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/nolan-siegel-synk-275-powered-by-sukup-by-chris-owens_large-image-without-watermark_m137446.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Nolan Siegel will not race in the Farm to Finish 275.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren admits it \u201cdidn\u2019t have enough\u201d to win the Indy 500<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-05\/109th%20Running%20of%20the%20Indianapolis%20500%20-%20Sunday_%20May%2025_%202025_Ref%20Image%20Without%20Watermark_m132732.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pato O&apos;Ward, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Driver Ratings for 2023 Honda Indy Toronto<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/field\/image\/Christian%20Lundgaard%20-%20Honda%20Indy%20Toronto%20-%20By_%20Joe%20Skibinski_Large%20Image%20Without%20Watermark_m86806.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Christian Lundgaard, RLL Racing at Toronto\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>INDYCAR Championship: Full Driver Standings After St Petersburg<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/field\/image\/Pato%20O_Ward%20-%20Photo%20Credit_%20Joe%20Skibinski_ReferenceImageWithoutWatermark_m73020.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pato O&apos;Ward, Arrow McLaren Racing\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-fe85a17a9e930d82727789f5abbb3f11768ac7aa6731eac2312e6c56887dc9d7\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren reserve driver &#8216;asks to be fired from F1&#8217; after 2027 seat confirmed<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783584000\"> 43s ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;Huge&#8217; F1 announcement tease revealed to be Scott Dixon&#8217;s McLaren IndyCar move<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783418400\"> 07\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/scott-dixon-miller-lite-carb-day-by-joe-skibinski_large-image-without-watermark_m154965.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/scott-dixon-miller-lite-carb-day-by-joe-skibinski_large-image-without-watermark_m154965.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/scott-dixon-miller-lite-carb-day-by-joe-skibinski_large-image-without-watermark_m154965.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Mick Schumacher\u2019s maiden IndyCar podium dream was wrecked<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780304800\"> 01\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/mick-20schumacher-20-20chevrolet-20detroit-20grand-20prix-20-20by-20joe-20skibinski_large-20image-20without-20watermark_m156401.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/mick-20schumacher-20-20chevrolet-20detroit-20grand-20prix-20-20by-20joe-20skibinski_large-20image-20without-20watermark_m156401.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/mick-20schumacher-20-20chevrolet-20detroit-20grand-20prix-20-20by-20joe-20skibinski_large-20image-20without-20watermark_m156401.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris jets in for Indy 500 celebrations with Ricciardo after Canada woe<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779721930\"> 25\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Felix Rosenqvist wins dramatic Indy 500 in record-breaking finish<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779654000\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/felix-rosenqvist-miller-lite-carb-day-by-john-grainda_large-image-without-watermark_m155017.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/felix-rosenqvist-miller-lite-carb-day-by-john-grainda_large-image-without-watermark_m155017.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/felix-rosenqvist-miller-lite-carb-day-by-john-grainda_large-image-without-watermark_m155017.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-afb2b03293f14d092c674dccf1a32557e58cc17ee27c5d271d21a6840406ad28\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The five ex-F1 drivers going for glory at this year&#8217;s Indy 500<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779635716\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/mick-schumacher-indianapolis-500-practice-by-chris-owens_large-image-without-watermark_m153016.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/mick-schumacher-indianapolis-500-practice-by-chris-owens_large-image-without-watermark_m153016.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/mick-schumacher-indianapolis-500-practice-by-chris-owens_large-image-without-watermark_m153016.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>When is the 2026 Indy 500 and how can I watch it in the UK?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779178373\"> 19\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/alex-palou-109th-running-of-the-indianapolis-500-by-travis-hinkle_large-image-without-watermark_m132706.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/alex-palou-109th-running-of-the-indianapolis-500-by-travis-hinkle_large-image-without-watermark_m132706.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/alex-palou-109th-running-of-the-indianapolis-500-by-travis-hinkle_large-image-without-watermark_m132706.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ex-F1 driver has surgery on injuries suffered in huge Indy 500 crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779172852\"> 19\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/screenshot-2026-05-19-at-07.18.33.png?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/screenshot-2026-05-19-at-07.18.33.png?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/screenshot-2026-05-19-at-07.18.33.png?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> IndyCar  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ex-F1 star Daniel Ricciardo shares respect for Indy 500: &#8216;It scares me&#8217;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778231820\"> 08\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1306649_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1306649_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1306649_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F2  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Colton Herta&#8217;s ambitious Indy 500-F2 crossover &#8216;wasn&#8217;t legitimate&#8217;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777129200\"> 25\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1399322_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1399322_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1399322_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Pato O&#8217;Ward has asked to be &#8220;fired from all my services in Formula 1&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren reserve driver Pato O&#8217;Ward has &#8220;asked to be fired from all my services in Formula 1&#8221; after conceding a lack of excitement at the prospect of driving this year&#8217;s machinery.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>O&#8217;Ward shares reserve driver duties with reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. He has been a part of the McLaren family since 2020, when he joined Arrow McLaren SP in IndyCar, and was rewarded for a strong season by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown in 2021, with a seat in the post-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Private tests and FP1 outings have since followed for the Mexican, with his most recent outing in FP1 at last year&#8217;s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix now looking like it will be his last F1 experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>IndyCar star Pato O&#8217;Ward has had several F1 practice outings<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>McLaren recently confirmed that O&#8217;Ward will remain with the team into the 2027 IndyCar season, where he will partner six-time champion Scott Dixon, and the returning Felix Rosenqvist, who won this year&#8217;s Indianapolis 500.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>With his IndyCar future secure, however, O&#8217;Ward is ready to close the book on F1.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Speed Street<\/em> podcast, he said: &#8220;I&#8217;m grateful for the experiences and all I&#8217;ve been able to learn in the world of F1, and obviously, driving those cars, especially the last few years, I&#8217;ve had an amazing experience just to what they are capable of.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think I&#8217;m at a different point in my life now, and I don&#8217;t really care anymore.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-926bb4796ead93e486bf3ae3057bdb1fea6434a5955c63ea65da17490e1d0490\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;Huge&#8217; F1 announcement tease revealed to be Scott Dixon&#8217;s McLaren IndyCar move<\/li>\n<li>Pato O&#8217;Ward referenced by US Homeland Security to promote detention Centre <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThere is nothing in me that is aching me to continue as a reserve in F1. I&#8217;m in a great place in IndyCar. I love the series. That&#8217;s where I want to be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>O&#8217;Ward wins at Mid-Ohio<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>O&#8217;Ward has been a consistent front-runner in IndyCar since joining McLaren, finishing regularly in the top seven of the championship order.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of overtaking in modern F1 with a focus on electrical deployment has left many drivers frustrated, and earlier this year, O&#8217;Ward made his feelings on the topic clear, saying: \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be flipping a switch to say, \u2018Oh, I\u2019m going to press it to pass him artificially.\u2019 It\u2019s not Mario Kart; we\u2019re racing here. Honestly, I have zero desire to be part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His feelings on the matter have clearly not mellowed over time, as he added in his recent interview: &#8220;I&#8217;m not excited to drive one, so I have politely asked to be fired from all my services in F1.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I want to focus on my priorities. A lot of the time, I don&#8217;t really get to dictate my schedule at all.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the last four or five years, I haven&#8217;t been able to do really any of that, so.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI want to be able to train more; I want to be able to eat better, and just prepare for 2027, which is going to come fast.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren reserve driver Pato O&#8217;Ward has &#8220;asked to be fired from all my services in Formula 1&#8221; after conceding a lack of excitement at the prospect of driving this year&#8217;s machinery.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>O&#8217;Ward shares reserve driver duties with reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. He has been a part of the McLaren family since 2020, when he joined Arrow McLaren SP in IndyCar, and was rewarded for a strong season by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown in 2021, with a seat in the post-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Private tests and FP1 outings have since followed for the Mexican, with his most recent outing in FP1 at last year&#8217;s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix now looking like it will be his last F1 experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1380779_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>IndyCar star Pato O&#8217;Ward has had several F1 practice outings<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>McLaren recently confirmed that O&#8217;Ward will remain with the team into the 2027 IndyCar season, where he will partner six-time champion Scott Dixon, and the returning Felix Rosenqvist, who won this year&#8217;s Indianapolis 500.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>With his IndyCar future secure, however, O&#8217;Ward is ready to close the book on F1.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Speed Street<\/em> podcast, he said: &#8220;I&#8217;m grateful for the experiences and all I&#8217;ve been able to learn in the world of F1, and obviously, driving those cars, especially the last few years, I&#8217;ve had an amazing experience just to what they are capable of.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think I&#8217;m at a different point in my life now, and I don&#8217;t really care anymore.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-926bb4796ead93e486bf3ae3057bdb1fea6434a5955c63ea65da17490e1d0490\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;Huge&#8217; F1 announcement tease revealed to be Scott Dixon&#8217;s McLaren IndyCar move<\/li>\n<li>Pato O&#8217;Ward referenced by US Homeland Security to promote detention Centre <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThere is nothing in me that is aching me to continue as a reserve in F1. I&#8217;m in a great place in IndyCar. I love the series. That&#8217;s where I want to be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/pato-o_ward-honda-indy-200-at-mid-ohio-by-matt-fraver_large-image-without-watermark_m160075.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>O&#8217;Ward wins at Mid-Ohio<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>O&#8217;Ward has been a consistent front-runner in IndyCar since joining McLaren, finishing regularly in the top seven of the championship order.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of overtaking in modern F1 with a focus on electrical deployment has left many drivers frustrated, and earlier this year, O&#8217;Ward made his feelings on the topic clear, saying: \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be flipping a switch to say, \u2018Oh, I\u2019m going to press it to pass him artificially.\u2019 It\u2019s not Mario Kart; we\u2019re racing here. Honestly, I have zero desire to be part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His feelings on the matter have clearly not mellowed over time, as he added in his recent interview: &#8220;I&#8217;m not excited to drive one, so I have politely asked to be fired from all my services in F1.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I want to focus on my priorities. A lot of the time, I don&#8217;t really get to dictate my schedule at all.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the last four or five years, I haven&#8217;t been able to do really any of that, so.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI want to be able to train more; I want to be able to eat better, and just prepare for 2027, which is going to come fast.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/indycar\/news\/1100431\/1\/mclaren-reserve-driver-asks-be-fired-f1-after-2027-seat-confirmed&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1392994_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] McLaren reserve driver &#8216;asks to be fired from F1&#8217; after 2027 seat confirmed Pato O&#8217;Ward has asked to be &#8220;fired from all my services in Formula 1&#8221; Sam Hall 09 Jul 2026 Share O&#8217;Ward completes running in Abu Dhabi \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Prefer Crash.Net on Google See our stories more often Add McLaren [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2034626","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2034626"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034626\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2034626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2034626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2034626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}