As speculation continues about who Cadillac might sign for its new Formula 1 team launching in 2026, Pato O’Ward has dismissed rumours suggesting he could make the switch. Despite being mentioned alongside other top drivers, O’Ward reaffirmed his dedication to IndyCar and his current team, Arrow McLaren.
While fellow driver Colton Herta and championship leader Alex Palou have also been mooted as potential contenders for a Cadillac F1 seat, it is O’Ward who has most recently been linked to the American outfit. However, speaking to ESPN, O’Ward compared these rumours to sensational gossip and made clear his loyalty to his present commitments.
O’Ward Labels F1 Move Rumours as ‘Pure Smoke and Mirrors’
In addressing the speculation, O’Ward said,
That was just pure smoke and mirrors
, and continued,
I think the rumour about me moving to Cadillac is like the one about Fernando Alonso dating Taylor Swift.
This colourful dismissal indicated O’Ward’s view that such stories lack substance.
Despite past instances where IndyCar drivers transitioned successfully to Formula 1—particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s—many established voices within F1 remain cautious about embracing American drivers without prior F1 experience.
Former Haas Chief Warns Against Signing IndyCar Talent for F1
Former Haas F1 Team Principal has expressed skepticism regarding the idea of Cadillac recruiting an IndyCar driver, highlighting the inherent risks. Speaking to RTL, he stated that the lack of Formula 1 experience among US drivers could lead to negative consequences for teams involved.
He explained,
Those guys have no experience in Formula One, and then it can quickly backfire. That doesn’t help anyone.
This cautionary stance aligns with rumours favoring more experienced drivers such as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both of whom bring hefty F1 race counts totaling 546 starts between them.
O’Ward’s Enduring Affection for IndyCar and America
Pato O’Ward has consistently expressed his passion for IndyCar and his strong connection to the United States. During a discussion with motorsport photographer Kym Illman in May, he emphasized that even if an opportunity in Formula 1 came his way, he envisions returning to America.
He shared,
I always see myself coming back to America
, and elaborated on the complexities of Formula 1, saying,
“Formula One is a bit of a different beast in regards to politics, in regards to money, who you know, right time, right place.”
O’Ward further conveyed his deep affinity for his current environment, adding,
I don’t see myself leaving to Europe and settling there for the rest of my life. I don’t see that I really love being here and this is what’s become home to me.
McLaren CEO on O’Ward’s Future and F1 Prospects
Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, has spoken publicly about the rumours linking O’Ward to Formula 1, acknowledging the driver’s talent while maintaining a pragmatic stance on his future. Brown indicated that while McLaren would prefer to keep O’Ward in IndyCar, they would not obstruct his ambitions if an F1 opportunity arose.
Brown’s support for O’Ward’s development has included granting him competitive experience in McLaren’s F1 machinery, such as participating in the Abu Dhabi young drivers test in 2023 and driving during FP1 sessions in Mexico in 2024.
Currently attending the IndyCar event in Toronto, Brown has returned from his usual F1 commitments for the weekend and remains closely involved with O’Ward’s career progression.
Strong IndyCar Performances Reinforce O’Ward’s Standing in Motorsport
Cadillac’s interest in O’Ward is understandable given his impressive performances this season. Sitting second in the championship behind Alex Palou, O’Ward is the only driver to have completed every race so far this year. His standout victory at the Synk 275 further cements his status as one of IndyCar’s top competitors.
With such consistency and talent on display, O’Ward continues to be a major figure in American open-wheel racing while firmly ruling out immediate moves away from the series.