McLaren driver abandons F1: 'Feels too much like a show'

McLaren test and reserve driver Pato O'Ward has cooled on his Formula 1 ambitions, delivering a scathing critique of the sport's current direction and describing it as feeling "too much like a show".

The Mexican, who has served as McLaren's third driver since 2022, revealed his diminished desire to reach Formula 1 due to what he perceives as the sport's move away from pure racing towards artificial entertainment.

"Honestly, I think Formula 1 has made a mistake in how it's become now. It feels artificial," O'Ward told Fox Deportes.

"The fire I had to go to Formula 1 wasn't because of fame or money, really not. But it was because those cars were incredible. Driving those cars was impressive, watching them was impressive. And I feel like every year, a bit of that essence has been taken away. That pure feeling."

O'Ward, 25, has established himself as one of IndyCar's leading drivers since making his full-time debut in 2020. He finished second in last year's championship behind Alex Palou, marking his best campaign to date.

Despite his success across the Atlantic, the path to Formula 1 has remained elusive, and now appears unwanted.

During his four years with McLaren, O'Ward has participated in five practice sessions and expects to add a sixth before the season concludes. "Towards the end of the year, when the season is over, I think I'll do a test and maybe even a free practice in Formula 1," he said. "But I can't say for sure, because I haven't had anything confirmed yet."

The Mexican's criticism centres on Formula 1's overtaking aids, which he believes undermine the sport's competitive integrity, despite IndyCar having a 'push to pass' mode.

"Someone like me seeks that: you want to race because you have that passion," he added. "You want to push a car to the limit under braking, you want to get it through a fast corner as quickly as possible. Not press a button to overtake someone, as if it happens artificially. It's not Mario Kart. We're racing."

O'Ward's suggestion that he is no longer actively pursuing F1 reflects his preference for what he sees as purer racing, leading him to commit fully to IndyCar instead.

"That's why I'm very happy in IndyCar," he said. "For me, this is currently the best racing class for a driver who really wants to race.

"Because Formula 1 now feels too much like a kind of show to me, too artificial. And that honestly doesn't appeal to me."