IndyCar: Patricio O’Ward to drive for Arrow McLaren Racing SP in 2020

By Asher Fair | Oct 30, 2019

SONOMA, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Patricio O'Ward, driver of the #8 Harding Racing Chevrolet (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images) /

After a full-time ride for the 2019 IndyCar season fell through for Patricio O’Ward, he is set to compete in the series full-time for Arrow McLaren Racing SP in 2020.

2018 Indy Lights champion Patricio O’Ward was slated to drive full-time for Harding Steinbrenner Racing in the 2019 IndyCar season after making his IndyCar debut in the 2018 season finale at Sonoma Raceway for Harding Racing as the newly crowned Indy Lights champion.

But less than a month before the season began, that deal fell through, and the 20-year-old Mexican was left without a ride.

O’Ward ended up landing a deal with Carlin to compete in 13 of the season’s 17 races, but he only competed in seven of them, eighth including his failed Indianapolis 500 qualifying attempt, as he joined the Red Bull Junior Team and competed in three Japanese Super Formula races and two Formula 2 races.

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But after he was released by Red Bull, there were rumors that he would seek out options to return to IndyCar.

That is what he did, and now he has been confirmed for his first full-time ride.

O’Ward is set to drive for Arrow McLaren Racing SP alongside 2019 Indy Lights champion Oliver Askew next season amid rumors that he would end up there. He and McLaren CEO Zak Brown reportedly met back in April to discuss his future, even before he signed with the Red Bull Junior Team.

Here is what he had to say about this opportunity, according to IndyCar.

"“I couldn’t be happier to be with Arrow McLaren SP for my first full season in IndyCar. I’ve had some great opportunities over the last year, but this is by far the greatest thing that could possibly happen for my career. I had a taste of IndyCar earlier this year and cannot wait to represent Arrow McLaren SP in the best way possible for a full season in 2020.”"

Here is what team co-owner Sam Schmidt had to say about the matter.

"“With our background in Indy Lights, I’ve followed Oliver and Pato closely over the last few years on the Road to Indy. I couldn’t think of a better pairing as we write the first chapter in Arrow McLaren SP’s story. They’ve proven their skills on the Road to Indy and with an Indy Lights championship each, they are ready and deserving of full-time seats in IndyCar. I have no doubt that Oliver and Pato are the right drivers to move Arrow McLaren SP forward.”"

Here is what McLaren sporting director Gil de Ferran had to add.

"“As we look to establish Arrow McLaren SP and re-establish McLaren in the world of IndyCar, I’m delighted to be welcoming these two young, homegrown talents to the team. Oliver and Pato represent the new generation of IndyCar drivers. Proven winners and exciting prospects, I have no doubt that they will form an excellent pairing as we take on the 2020 season."

In eight career IndyCar starts, O’Ward’s best finish is his eighth place finish in his first race of the 2019 season at Circuit of the Americas. His other top 10 finish came in his series debut at Sonoma Raceway in the 2018 season finale when he finished in ninth after qualifying in fifth, both team-highs for the 2018 season.

He also recorded four top nine starting positions in the 2019 season, including an eighth place effort at Circuit of the Americas, a ninth place effort on the streets of Long Beach, and seventh and eighth place efforts for the two races on the streets of Belle Isle. He made his final start of the season at Road America in June.

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The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is scheduled to get the 2020 IndyCar season underway from the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, March 15.