Pato O'Ward criticizes Mexican promoters after IndyCar Barcelona announcement

IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward has expressed disappointment regarding the lack of progress in bringing a race to Mexico, following the confirmation of a Barcelona race for the 2027 calendar. O'Ward noted that the speed at which the deal in Barcelona was finalized demonstrates how quickly agreements can be reached when local cities and circuits show genuine commitment.

The Arrow McLaren driver emphasized that a successful project of this magnitude requires a collective effort and strategic viability, rather than just the logistical movement of teams and equipment. He suggested that IndyCar in Mexico has the potential to become a phenomenon similar to Formula 1, citing historical precedents like CART.

O'Ward identified the primary obstacle as the mindset of those involved in negotiations, stating that there is a need for stakeholders to be genuinely passionate about the project's success rather than solely focused on financial compensation.