Pato O’Ward’s reaction to the new Arrow McLaren livery was more than just a playful tweet—it was a statement of excitement, confidence, and readiness
After years of knocking on the door, the young Mexican driver is poised to make history.
With a team that believes in him, a car that reflects their united mission, and the talent to back it all up, O’Ward stands as one of the brightest prospects heading into the 109th Indianapolis 500.
Whether or not he lifts the Borg-Warner Trophy on May 25, one thing is certain—he’s not done fighting. Because for Pato O’Ward and Arrow McLaren, the racing never stops.
Pato O’Ward’s near-victory at the 2024 Indy 500 was a gut punch not just for him, but for fans around the world who rode the emotional wave with him. Yet in defeat, he displayed something just as valuable as a trophy—grace, courage, and passion.
His story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit. And while this chapter ended in heartbreak, it’s far from the end. If anything, it’s the beginning of a narrative that could lead to one of the most memorable comebacks in IndyCar history.
Because in racing, as in life, the ones who come closest are often the ones who eventually reach the top.
Also Read: Graham Rahal Speaks Out: The Truth About McLaren’s Controversial Pato O’Ward Agreement
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Pato O’Ward Reacts to Arrow McLaren’s Striking New Livery for the 109th Indy 500
Arrow McLaren’s preparations for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 are well underway, and the spotlight is firmly on their young and charismatic driver, Pato O’Ward.1
With anticipation building for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indiana-based team recently unveiled a fresh and captivating livery as part of their “Never Stop Racing” campaign.
The bold design caught the eye of O’Ward, who couldn’t contain his excitement when reacting to his #5 car’s sleek new look.
“My Indy 500 Car SLAPS” – O’Ward’s Viral Reaction
Pato O’Ward took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his first impressions of the new livery. In true Gen Z fashion, the 25-year-old shared his thoughts in a candid and energetic post:
“wow. my indy500 car SLAPS😍💦“
The response quickly gained traction among fans, with many echoing his excitement. The livery—featuring a striking blend of Arrow McLaren’s classic papaya orange, black, and bold accents—serves as a powerful visual extension of the team’s identity and vision.
The “Never Stop Racing” campaign that inspired it made its debut during Arrow McLaren’s Formula 1 launch earlier this year in London, but now it’s been repurposed to symbolize the spirit of endurance and determination in IndyCar.
wow. my indy500 car SLAPS😍💦
— Pato O’Ward (@PatricioOWard) April 21, 2025
Five Years with Arrow McLaren: O’Ward’s Rise in IndyCar
Since joining Arrow McLaren in 2020, Pato O’Ward has steadily climbed the ranks as one of the most thrilling talents in IndyCar.
Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, O’Ward quickly became a fan favorite. Over his years with the team, he has secured multiple podium finishes and has been a consistent contender in both street circuits and ovals.
Heading into his fifth Indianapolis 500, O’Ward brings not just experience but also a hunger that’s been sharpened by near misses in previous years.
The partnership between Arrow McLaren and Chevrolet has given him a car that’s both powerful and reliable—qualities necessary for the demanding 500-mile race.
Pato O’Ward’s Indy 500 Journey So Far
Agony and Ecstasy at the Brickyard
While Pato O’Ward’s career in the Indy 500 is still young, it’s been nothing short of dramatic.2
In 2023, with just three laps to go, O’Ward was in contention for victory when he tangled with Marcus Ericsson and crashed on lap 197, ending his race in heartbreak.
In 2024, he was again on the brink of triumph. This time, he engaged in a thrilling battle with Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden. O’Ward led heading into the final corners of the 200-lap race, only to be passed by Newgarden in Turn 3 of the final lap.
The moment stunned fans and left O’Ward visibly emotional, but it also underscored his immense competitiveness and growth.
Despite these close calls, O’Ward remains undeterred. Each Indy 500 appearance has taught him something new, and those lessons will be pivotal when he takes to the track on May 25.
The “Never Stop Racing” Campaign: More Than Just a Slogan
Arrow McLaren’s new livery isn’t just eye candy—it’s a manifestation of the team’s core philosophy.
The “Never Stop Racing” initiative is about perseverance, innovation, and unity across all racing formats the team participates in, from IndyCar to Formula 1 to Extreme E.
By aligning their Indy 500 car with the same branding revealed during their Formula 1 campaign, Arrow McLaren is showing fans a unified identity.
It’s a signal that regardless of the motorsport series, the DNA of the team remains rooted in performance, determination, and passion for racing.
This philosophy is echoed in O’Ward’s own racing journey—he’s never backed down from a challenge, and his relentless drive matches perfectly with the campaign’s ethos.
Pato O’Ward: Fan Expectations
As the Indy 500 draws nearer, the anticipation around Pato O’Ward continues to grow.3
His vibrant personality, accessible social media presence, and on-track fireworks have made him one of the most marketable and admired figures in the series.
With a fanbase that spans continents and a driving style that makes headlines, O’Ward is no longer just a rising star—he’s a bona fide force in motorsports.
If he were to win this year’s race, it would not only be a personal triumph but also a massive milestone for the team and the sport.
Arrow McLaren’s Big Picture: Building a Legacy
Arrow McLaren has made significant strides in IndyCar, thanks in part to their investment in young talent like O’Ward.
The team’s dedication to innovation—be it through livery design, engineering advancements, or strategic partnerships—has elevated their presence in the paddock.
The 2024 livery serves as a symbol of this evolution. It’s a visual representation of a team that is no longer content with being competitive—they want to win. And with O’Ward in the cockpit, they have every reason to believe that this could be their year.
Mexican Pride on the Global Stage
For Pato O’Ward, representing Mexico at such a prestigious event adds another layer of significance to his participation.
The last Mexican driver to win the Indy 500 was Josele Garza in 1986, and while he was declared the Rookie of the Year, he didn’t claim the victory.
O’Ward’s presence at the front of the grid represents the hopes of an entire nation. His charisma, skill, and success have inspired a new generation of motorsport fans in Mexico and across Latin America.
With each race, he carries the pride of his heritage and the dreams of fans who see him as a future champion.
Also Read: Josef Newgarden Responds to St. Pete Scandal with a Bold Statement and Book Signing
Pato O’Ward’s Emotional Indy 500 Loss
The 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2024 was nothing short of electrifying.
Filled with drama, close calls, and breathtaking speed, the race will be remembered not just for its edge-of-your-seat finish, but for the raw emotion displayed by one of its brightest stars—Pato O’Ward.
The young Mexican driver came within a breath of glory, only to see it slip through his fingers in the final moments.
The heartbreak, the resilience, and the sheer will to win made his story one of the most powerful narratives of this year’s event.
A Duel for the Ages: O’Ward vs. Newgarden
The climax of the 2024 Indy 500 came down to a gripping battle between Pato O’Ward and Josef Newgarden. For fans and drivers alike, it was a scene of intensity rarely witnessed.
O’Ward had made a thrilling move to overtake Newgarden late in the race, igniting hopes that he would finally earn his first Indy 500 victory.
However, the story had one more twist.
In a move that will go down in IndyCar lore, Newgarden overtook O’Ward in turn three on the penultimate lap, just before the white flag flew.
O’Ward, left with little time to respond, pushed his car to the absolute limit but couldn’t retake the lead before the checkered flag. The heartbreak was palpable.
Pato O’Ward: Brand Ambassador
Pato O’Ward tagged by the KitKat Mexico’s official instagram page after becoming the brand ambassador of KitKat Maxico.
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The Rollercoaster Within the Race
In his post-race interview with Motorsports on NBC, O’Ward didn’t hold back his emotions.
He described the unpredictable nature of the race as a “rollercoaster” filled with hope, setbacks, and several near-catastrophic moments.
“We went back, we went forward, we went back. Some people were driving like maniacs. We had so many near-race enders,” he said, clearly still processing the intensity of the experience. It wasn’t just a battle with Newgarden—it was a battle for survival on the track.
The chaotic conditions and aggressive driving from competitors meant that staying in contention required incredible focus and courage. O’Ward delivered on both, performing maneuvers that pushed the limits of what his car—and he himself—could do.
The Weight of Near Misses
For O’Ward, this wasn’t the first time he had come agonizingly close to Indy 500 glory. His voice cracked with emotion as he reflected on the repeated heartbreak of near-misses at the most prestigious race in American open-wheel racing.
“It is always a heartbreak when you’re so close, especially when it’s not the first time and you don’t know how many opportunities you have,” he said.
The line revealed a deeper fear that resonates with many drivers in motorsports: the knowledge that every shot at immortality is precious—and limited.
This race marked another chapter in O’Ward’s Indy 500 story, one filled with promise and painful endings. Each year brings new contenders, changing dynamics, and the unknown. There’s no guarantee the stars will align again.
Pato O’Ward’s Legacy
At just 25 years old, Pato O’Ward has already established himself as one of IndyCar’s brightest talents.
Yet, for all the podiums and accolades, the Indy 500 remains the elusive crown jewel. Every near-win, however painful, adds to the lore of his career.
What separates legends from merely great drivers is not just how many races they win—but how they respond to the races they lose. If O’Ward ultimately becomes an Indy 500 champion, moments like this loss will add emotional weight to that victory.
Fans don’t just remember who wins—they remember the ones who fought with heart. In 2024, Pato O’Ward etched himself into that memory.
Redemption on the Horizon?
While the 2024 Indy 500 didn’t end the way he wanted, the season is far from over. With plenty of races remaining, O’Ward has opportunities to chase more wins and solidify his place in the championship standings.
But more than trophies, what fans will now look for is how he responds. Will he bounce back with fire? Will this setback sharpen his edge even more? Given his talent and determination, few doubt that he’ll be right back in the fight.
And come the 109th running of the Indy 500, one thing is certain: Pato O’Ward will be a driver to watch—perhaps even the driver to beat.
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