O’Ward will contest FP1 at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale in place of Lando Norris, with McLaren complying with FIA regulations by running a rookie driver in both of its cars.
But that will be the only change McLaren has to field for a practice session this year since Oscar Piastri, completing his maiden F1 season, qualified as a rookie for the opening Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs.
O’Ward, who finished fourth in the 2023 IndyCar standings for the Arrow McLaren team, also contested FP1 in Abu Dhabi last season where he was 18th fastest, having only completed 22 laps due to a technical fault.
The Mexican will also remain at the Yas Marina circuit to conduct the post-race test next week.
McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella said: “Pato had an impressive season in the IndyCar Series and has performed well in his driver development tests, so it felt natural to take this next step now he’s eligible for an FIA Super Licence.
Source: Autosport