Pato O’Ward will meet with IndyCar CEO Mark Miles during the race weekend from July 18 to 20 in Toronto to discuss progress on scheduling a race in Mexico City for the 2026 season. This upcoming meeting is expected to provide clarity on the potential return of IndyCar to O’Ward’s home country, an event he has long advocated for.
For over five years, O’Ward has actively pushed for IndyCar to host a race in Mexico. However, negotiations with promoters of the Mexico City event at Autódromos Hermanos Rodríguez had made little headway until recently. Promoters expressed doubts about the series‘ ability to attract enough fans to fill the venue, questioning whether IndyCar had sufficient appeal in Mexico.
Mark Miles publicly communicated these concerns and controversially suggested that O’Ward himself was not yet prominent enough to draw a large audience. This statement ignited a public response from the Arrow McLaren driver, who launched a campaign themed around the phrase “Pato Who?” in reaction. Subsequently, Miles clarified that his remarks were not meant to undermine O’Ward personally.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto race, O’Ward provided insight into the upcoming talks regarding the 2026 Mexico City race. He stated via ESPN MX on YouTube:
“Actually, I have a meeting in Toronto, where they’re going to give me the scoop about what is going on there. But it looks promising. We might be talking about that very soon.” —Pato O’Ward
When asked whom he would meet, O’Ward responded:
“It’s going to be with Mark. I’m going to see him. I saw him in Iowa, but I couldn’t talk to him. It was very intense, the… how do you say, the schedule. So, yes. They’re going to paint me a picture of how everything is falling right now and where the conversations are going. I want to be very involved, right? I don’t just want to be the pilot who goes and promotes, right? I mean, I’m going to be there involved in everything else.” —Pato O’Ward
Industry reporter Tony Donohue has noted that IndyCar may announce the Mexico City race agreement soon after the Toronto weekend. Reports as early as April suggested that the series was nearing a final deal to hold a race in Mexico starting in 2026.
Possible Timing for the IndyCar Race in Mexico City in 2026
Earlier this year, O’Ward shared his expectations on when the Mexico City race might be scheduled during the 2026 IndyCar calendar. He suggested that hosting the event near the inaugural Arlington Grand Prix in March would make logistical sense, as it would allow for closer travel arrangements between the two locations.
Talking about the upcoming potential Mexico race on the Pit Pass Indy podcast, O’Ward explained:
“I think we can see it as soon as 2026. That’s definitely what I’ve been pushing for and what I know IndyCar is pushing for. It might be pretty close to the Arlington Grand Prix. You never know if they might be back-to-backs because it is gonna be the closest one to Mexico, in terms of logistics travel-wise.” —Pato O’Ward
Before this anticipated 2026 Mexico City event, O’Ward will participate in a competitive outing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. He is set to drive one of McLaren’s MCL39 cars during FP1 of the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix on October 24, providing him with valuable experience on the circuit.
Recent Performance and Its Impact on O’Ward’s Role
O’Ward’s growing prominence in IndyCar is underscored by his recent performances. He secured his first victory of the 2025 season at the Iowa double-header’s opening race last weekend. Following that, he finished fifth in the second race, which lifted him to second place in the championship standings behind leader Alex Palou.
His consistent form and status as one of IndyCar’s leading Mexican drivers position him as a key figure in promoting and shaping the future of the Mexico City race. O’Ward’s determination to be involved beyond just competing suggests he will play an active role in discussions and promotion as IndyCar looks to expand in Mexico.
Significance of the Mexico City Race for IndyCar and O’Ward
The potential addition of a Mexico City race in 2026 represents a crucial step for IndyCar’s growth into international markets, tapping into a passionate fan base and honoring a country with a rich motorsport tradition. The track at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez presents a strategic venue given its history and location.
For O’Ward, the race holds personal significance, as it is his home country and an opportunity to drive on a major stage in front of a local crowd. His involvement in negotiations reflects a deeper connection than just competition; it highlights his commitment to expanding the sport’s presence in Mexico and enhancing its appeal.
As IndyCar finalizes details, the upcoming July meeting between O’Ward and Mark Miles will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders, signaling how the series plans to balance logistics, market expansion, and driver influence in this landmark initiative.