The failure that cost Pato O’ward victory on 2023 IndyCar debut

For the second time that day, a Mexican driver managed to reach the podium in a motorsport competition. Patrick O’Wardthe Arrow McLaren IndyCar team standard bearer was able to keep the second post at the start of the 2023 IndyCar Series season. The result could have been better for the native of Monterrey, Nuevo León, although a a breakdown in his car took him away from that possibility.

After passing the first qualifying laps and reaching Fast6, the man from Monterrey managed to take third position on the starting grid. His position was favorable to fight for the top step of the podium against Romain Grosjean and Colton Herta.

O’ward took advantage of his starting position and even survived the carom that forced the 30-minute break in the early rounds of the competition. In a magnificent manoeuvre, he succeeded pass Colton Herta and later, on lap 72, an impact between Penske and Grosjean caused a warning that placed the Mexican in first position of the competition.

Behind him were Ericsson, Dixon and Palou, although it was the Ganassi Racing Honda team rider who did his best not to let him get away. The effort that the Mexican made not to let go of what would have been his first victory of the year was noticeable at every maneuver on the street circuit. However, he lost the privileged position.

With three laps to go, his the car suffered unusual braking and Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson took the opportunity to pass without difficulty. From then on, the Mexican had to focus his strategy on the fight not to give up second place to Dixon, who tried, on some occasions, to do the same maneuver as the leader of the competition.

Thus, at the end of the Saint-Petersburg Grand Prix in IndyCar, Pato O’Ward had to resign himself to sub-management as he watched his European rival celebrate the fourth victory of his career on the racing circuit.

There disappointment it showed in the face of the man from Monterrey and was confirmed in his statements after the race.

“We did everything right today, but There’s always something going on. The boys deserved this victory. Finally. Now Dallas is next so we will fight for that award and compared to where we were last year it means a big step (…) we can’t let that happen anymore. I know it was a second, but anyway,” he told the IndyCar cameras.

The next goal for the Mexican will be to work to be able to stay in first position in the so-called 375 miles race of Texas, scheduled for April 2, 2023. Then he will travel to California to participate in the Grand Prix of Long Beach. in the third race scheduled throughout the 2023 season.

It should be mentioned that the the campaign will feature 17 races in which O’Ward will be looking to continue to increase his personal stats which, so far, register four top finishes.

Information under development*