Pato O’Ward has openly committed to winning the Indy 500 in 2026, following two painful near-misses at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Arrow McLaren driver came agonizingly close to victory in the 2024 IndyCar Classic 200-lap race, increasing the stakes ahead of the upcoming season.
With momentum building after finishing second in the 2025 IndyCar championship and securing his third podium at the Indy 500 earlier this year, O’Ward approaches 2026 with confidence. Arrow McLaren has also expanded its facilities, relocating to a new headquarters in Zionsville, Indiana, which is three times the size of their previous base, signaling a long-term commitment to success.
Lessons Learned from Narrow Misses at the Indy 500
O’Ward reflected on his experiences on the First Things First show on FS1, sharing how competing so closely for the win has shaped his approach to the race.
“I don’t think there is ever a perfect decision, but you just have to make the one that, go with your gut,” said the 26-year-old Mexican. “At some point, if you’re always in that position, you are bound to win it once, you know. That’s what I am standing by. I know how to position myself to win this damn race, and I’m going to get it,” he said.
In 2022, O’Ward came within reach of his first Indy 500 victory, running second on the final lap behind Marcus Ericsson. After a caution restart, Ericsson launched ahead and defended his lead despite O’Ward’s daring attempt to pass on the outside of Turn 1. The elusive win slipped away as Ericsson’s Chip Ganassi Racing Honda proved stronger in the closing moments.
Two years later, the 2024 race was another heartbreak. O’Ward seized the lead from defending champion Josef Newgarden at the start of the last lap, only to be overtaken by Newgarden in Turn 3. The Team Penske driver secured a consecutive Indy 500 title, leaving O’Ward visibly devastated after coming so close once again.
Balancing Luck and Preparation in Pursuit of Victory
Recognized as one of the most promising talents in IndyCar’s new wave, O’Ward’s 2025 season marked a personal best, though he fell short of winning the Indy 500. He finished fourth in the race but was elevated to third place after runner-up Marcus Ericsson’s Andretti Global car was disqualified for failing post-race technical inspection.
During his interview, O’Ward acknowledged the significant role luck plays in the outcome of the Indy 500, a race notorious for last-minute twists and unpredictable caution periods.
“I do believe that luck plays a part, right? There are a lot of things that have to go right just to have a shot – in the last stint, that’s the most important one to be positioned to be able to have that shot.”
Despite the chance element, O’Ward emphasized the foundation that preparation builds, pointing to the consistency of those who ultimately capture victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“But there’s a lot that comes into preparation, man, like a lot of these guys in the last few years that have won this race — they’ve been looking good all month. Like, they have been doing a good job all month. I don’t think any of the cars I’ve seen win [in] all the time I’ve been racing at the 500, that has been like, ‘Oh, that was a fluke.’ No, they’ve been really strong all month.”
A case in point was Josef Newgarden’s performance in the 2025 Indy 500. Despite starting at the back of the grid following disqualification from qualifying, Newgarden demonstrated the impact of a well-prepared car and relentless effort by climbing to sixth place before retiring due to a fuel pump issue.
Arrow McLaren’s Growing Potential for Indy 500 Success
O’Ward is poised for perhaps his strongest chance yet to break through for a first Indy 500 victory. Arrow McLaren had its most successful season in 2025, with O’Ward and teammate Christian Lundgaard combining for a total of 12 podium finishes. The team’s move to a larger facility in Zionsville could further bolster their competitive advantage.
As O’Ward continues to refine his strategy and build on his experience, the 2026 Indy 500 looms as a critical moment in his career. His relentless pursuit of victory highlights both the grueling nature of the race and the driver’s determination to join the select group of champions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
