Pato O’Ward, the rising star of the IndyCar Series, has firmly denied rumors linking him to a move to the Cadillac Formula 1 team in 2026. Despite his strong performance this season, currently ranking second in the IndyCar standings, O’Ward made it clear that he will remain committed to IndyCar rather than joining the American F1 outfit.
O’Ward’s Response to Speculation Highlights His Commitment
Addressing the persistent rumors in an interview with ESPN Mexico, O’Ward playfully compared the unfounded gossip about his potential switch to Cadillac with a famous celebrity rumor. The Arrow McLaren driver remarked,
The rumors about me going to Cadillac were like the rumors about Fernando Alonso hanging out with Taylor Swift.
This lighthearted response underlined his focus on his current racing career instead of transferring to Formula 1 just yet.
Existing Links to Formula 1 Do Not Signal Immediate Transfer
While O’Ward has practical experience linked to Formula 1—having taken part in Free Practice 1 sessions for McLaren at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix and serving as a reserve driver—his immediate plans do not involve switching series. His attention remains on competing in the IndyCar Series, where he continues to showcase his talent and consistency.
Cadillac F1’s Ongoing Search for Drivers Remains Competitive
Meanwhile, Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed that negotiations with various drivers are still underway. High-profile names such as Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Perez are in consideration, alongside interest in American talents like Colton Herta. Lowdon emphasized merit as the deciding factor in driver selection, stating,
We’ll select drivers on merit… The team’s here to stay. I think the fans would love to see an American driver in an American team.
Competitive Driver Selection Reflects Cadillac F1’s Ambitions
The competition for seats within the Cadillac F1 team is intense, reflecting the team’s ambition to establish a strong presence in Formula 1. With a mix of seasoned and emerging drivers under review, Cadillac aims to build a fleet capable of delivering impressive results and satisfying fans eager for American representation.
Outlook for O’Ward and Cadillac F1’s Future
O’Ward’s current focus on IndyCar preserves his growth in a series where he is excelling, while Cadillac’s methodical driver search suggests the team is committed to finalizing a competitive lineup based purely on talent. As the 2026 season approaches, fans and analysts will watch closely as these developments unfold in both IndyCar and Formula 1.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the permanent number system started in 2014. While some cultures think 13 is unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide which number to use.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Born in 1985, Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racer who competes for Mercedes and has also raced with McLaren. He openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his wide range of hobbies and interests.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. After Jules Bianchi passed away, his racing number, 17, was retired to honor his memory in the world of Formula 1.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, whose full name is Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, is a British Formula One racing driver born in 1985. He currently races for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.