Pato O’Ward, the Mexican Arrow McLaren driver, embodies a fearless IndyCar winning mindset every time he steps into his race car. Despite the inherent dangers of motorsports, the 26-year-old racer remains focused on victory rather than risks, revealing his determined approach in recent interviews.

How Pato O’Ward Embraces a Winning Attitude Behind the Wheel

O’Ward has steadily risen to prominence in IndyCar racing, earning a reputation for his aggressive style and bold maneuvers. In an interview with Tracy Smith featured on CBS Sunday Morning and shared on X, O’Ward explained his mindset during races. He stated,

“…no, you think of winning—you think of winning when you are in that car. At least I do, that’s all I think of.” —Pato O’Ward, IndyCar Driver

The seven-time IndyCar race winner is known for his daring late-braking overtakes, moves that some peers consider highly risky but that showcase his fearless ambition. Throughout his career, O’Ward has reached the podium thirty times and proved he competes fiercely at every event. Despite these accomplishments, the Drivers’ championship title has so far eluded him, with his strongest season finish being third place in 2021. Observers believe he remains on track to contend for another top finish in 2025.

O’Ward’s Determination to Capture the Indy 500 Victory

One of O’Ward’s biggest career goals is to win the prestigious Indianapolis 500, a challenge that has so far proven difficult. The Arrow McLaren driver has expressed unwavering confidence in clinching the Borg-Warner Trophy someday.

Speaking again to Tracy Smith on CBS Sunday Morning, O’Ward remarked,

“I know I am going to get my Indy 500 win because I have been damn good there every single year. So I know the more I put myself in that position, I am going to get at least one.” —Pato O’Ward, IndyCar Driver

O’Ward has come close to winning the Indy 500 on two notable occasions. In 2022, a late caution helped Marcus Ericsson hold off O’Ward’s challenge in the race’s final laps. The 2024 race was especially dramatic, as O’Ward lost the lead on the last corner of the final lap to Josef Newgarden, who completed a decisive pass right before the checkered flag.

At the 2025 Indy 500, O’Ward showcased strong performance by qualifying on the front row, but ultimately finished third while Alex Palou took his first victory at the event. These near victories underscore O’Ward’s consistent competitiveness at the Brickyard circuit.

The Impact of O’Ward’s Competitive Mindset on His Career Trajectory

Pato O’Ward’s refusal to focus on dangers and his constant drive to win have earned him a distinct identity within IndyCar racing. His aggressive racing and repeated high-stakes challenges highlight how his winning mindset fuels his ambition. With podium finishes and race wins accumulating, O’Ward remains a formidable contender for future championships and the elusive Indy 500 title.

As O’Ward continues his career, his fearless attitude combined with consistent performance positions him to potentially add a Drivers’ championship and a first Indy 500 victory to his growing list of achievements. Fans and rivals alike watch keenly to see if his confident predictions will soon become reality.