Pato O’Ward has been promised a test in McLaren’s F1 car if he can deliver an IndyCar victory for his Arrow McLaren SP team this season
In the latest results-based F1 bet, Mclaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has promised his US-based Mexican driver a slot in this year’s post-season test if he “earns” it.
A well-choreographed video released by the team on social media shows a conversation between driver and team boss at this weekend’s Alabama season-opener.
“I got an idea,” says Brown, sitting opposite O’Ward in a motorhome. “You’ve already had a third [place finish]. You’ve already had a second. So if you win one, I talked to Andreas [Seidl, McLaren F1 team principal], we’ll put you in the F1 car at the end of the year after Abu Dhabi…you’ve got to earn it.”
“Let’s gooooo,” says O’Ward. “I will get you your win. Hopefully multiple wins.”
The former Red Bull Junior will fancy his chances at making the test. He led for 25 laps and finished fourth in the Grand Prix of Alabama, crossing the line 4sec behind the winner, Alex Palou.