Pato O’Ward, a member of Arrow McLaren, expressed his desire to see a home race in Mexico in the future, while preparations for the Arlington Grand Prix are underway. Negotiations to include Mexico in the 2026 IndyCar calendar were well underway, but the deal eventually fell through, indicating a lack of “hunger” among local promoters as a key factor. O’Ward emphasized the need for absolute commitment from all parties involved to make a Mexican race a success, pointing to the enthusiasm and dedication seen in the organization of the Arlington event.
Highlighting the importance of everyone’s full commitment, O’Ward labeled the lack of enthusiasm in a potential Mexican project as a “red flag,” suggesting that the event should not proceed unless all stakeholders are fully invested. He stressed the necessity of a joint effort among IndyCar, himself, local promoters, and track authorities to ensure the success of the event, emphasizing the need for genuine interest and desire for the race to thrive.
In contrast, O’Ward felt a sense of belonging and excitement ahead of the Arlington Grand Prix, considering the Texas street circuit as his true home event, having spent his teenage years in San Antonio. He commended the work of key figures like Roger Penske, Jerry Jones, and the Texas Rangers in making the Arlington GP a memorable race, expressing his anticipation for the upcoming event. The unique challenges presented by the Arlington layout, with varied surfaces and an aggressive main straight, have captivated drivers and added to the excitement surrounding the race.
