Pato O’ward Taken to Medical Centre as Indycar Driver Falls Ill After F1 Mexico Gp Practice

IndyCar Driver Taken to Medical Centre After F1 Practice

During the Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix on October 24, 2025, IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward faced a health crisis that temporarily sidelined him from his usual racing duties. The 26-year-old, who was given a rare opportunity to race in an F1 car during Friday practice, had to seek medical attention after suffering from food poisoning.

Practice Stint and Symptoms

O’Ward’s stint began on the afternoon of October 24, where he replaced Lando Norris in the McLaren MCL39 for a 30-lap practice session. His performance was not affected during this time as he managed to finish 13th in the practice timesheets. However, his condition worsened after completing his session, leading him to be taken to the medical centre where he received IV fluids and medication for dehydration and stomach pain.

Medical Attention and Recovery

The driver’s symptoms did not allow him to participate in any press events or meetings with sponsors. Despite this, O’Ward shared a statement through McLaren’s practice report: “Being back on track in Mexico is so special to me. All week, the fans have been passionate and loud, making me feel right at home again.

I want to thank the team for putting me in the seat.” The statement reflects his appreciation for the support from both the race weekend and his team.

Team principal Andrea Stella also praised O’Ward’s contribution: “Thank you to Pato who did a good job in place of Lando in FP1. He provided a valuable contribution to our data collection, which is appreciated by the team.” This acknowledgment highlights the importance of such practice sessions for teams like McLaren as they prepare for the upcoming races.

Impact on F1 Mexico Grand Prix

Lando Norris, who had been replaced by O’Ward during the FP1 session, continued his driving duties for the remainder of the weekend. Speaking about his experience, Norris commented: “There was no onboard this morning, so there wasn’t a lot to look at. Of course, you look at the data and things, but you just try and get the general understanding of the grip, the feeling of the car, things like that.

But there’s only so much you can really take from just looking at a screen.” His remarks underscore the practical challenges faced by drivers in understanding their cars without direct feedback.

The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of race weekends and the importance of medical readiness for all participants. While O’Ward’s health concerns were temporary, they highlight the risks associated with food safety during international events.