Pato O’Ward has delivered a blunt verdict on the future of Formula 1, revealing he no longer has any ambition to race in the series due to his dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations.
Despite serving as a reserve driver for McLaren over the past four seasons, O’Ward made it clear that his long-held dream of competing in F1 has faded. The Mexican driver, who continues to race in IndyCar with Arrow McLaren, has built a strong reputation in the American series, regularly fighting at the front and securing podium finishes.
For years, Formula 1 represented the pinnacle of motorsport in his eyes—but he now believes the sport has moved away from what made it special.
In an interview with FOX Deportes, O’Ward openly criticised the direction taken by the new regulations, which place a much heavier emphasis on hybrid systems and energy deployment. He described the modern cars as “artificial,” arguing that they rely too heavily on systems that manipulate performance rather than showcasing pure driving ability.
Central to his frustration is the growing reliance on electrical energy, with the 2026 power units designed around an even split between internal combustion and battery power. While this shift aligns with broader automotive trends and sustainability goals, O’Ward feels it detracts from the raw, visceral appeal that originally drew him to the sport.
He took particular issue with the concept of push-to-pass-style systems and energy boosts, suggesting they create an experience that feels more like a game than authentic racing. Comparing it to “Mario Kart,” O’Ward implied that overtaking aided by artificial boosts undermines the skill and precision traditionally associated with Formula 1.
Crucially, he emphasised that his original desire to reach F1 was never driven by fame or financial reward, but by the challenge of mastering what he once considered the most impressive racing machines in the world. With that perception now changed, his motivation to make the switch has disappeared entirely.
O’Ward’s stance reflects a broader debate within the paddock and wider motorsport community. Several high-profile drivers, including Max Verstappen, have also voiced concerns about the increasing complexity of energy management and the impact it has on driving style and racing dynamics.
While Formula 1 continues to grow commercially and attract new manufacturers under the 2026 rules, criticism like O’Ward’s highlights a key tension: balancing technological innovation and sustainability with the traditional appeal of flat-out racing.
For now, O’Ward appears content to remain in IndyCar, focusing on a series that—at least in his view—still delivers the kind of pure, instinctive racing experience he once hoped to find in Formula 1.Pato O’Ward has doubled down on his criticism of Formula 1, insisting that IndyCar now offers a more authentic racing experience for drivers.
Speaking candidly, O’Ward said that from a pure racing perspective, IndyCar currently represents the better environment for drivers who want to compete without the heavy influence of artificial systems. He described modern Formula 1 as an “artificial show,” reiterating that it no longer excites him or aligns with what he values as a racer. For O’Ward, the appeal of F1 has shifted too far toward managed performance—particularly with the increasing reliance on hybrid energy deployment—leaving him with “zero desire” to pursue a full-time seat.
While O’Ward has effectively ruled himself out of a future in Formula 1, his former IndyCar rival Colton Herta is taking the opposite approach.
Herta remains firmly committed to reaching the F1 grid and is actively building his pathway toward the championship. Currently competing in Formula 2, he is working to secure the super licence points required to graduate to Formula 1.
In addition, Herta has strengthened his ties to the paddock by signing on as a reserve driver with Cadillac, positioning himself within a team that is preparing for its future entry into the sport. As part of that development role, he is set to take part in a Free Practice 1 session at the Spanish Grand Prix—one of several planned appearances designed to build experience and meet eligibility requirements.
The contrasting paths of O’Ward and Herta underline a broader divide in how drivers view the evolving nature of Formula 1. While some, like O’Ward, feel the sport has moved too far away from its traditional roots, others continue to see it as the ultimate destination—albeit one that now demands adaptation to a more complex, technology-driven racing environment.
