MEXICO CITY — IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had a thrilling moment on Friday as he got the chance to drive Lando Norris’ car during the first practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement in his career. This opportunity was particularly meaningful for O’Ward, as he performed in front of supporters from his home country.

However, O’Ward was given specific directions by McLaren, as he was required to prioritize the safety of Norris’ car during the session. Norris is currently in a tight contest with Max Verstappen for the driver’s championship title, with only five races left in the season.

In this practice, O’Ward finished in 13th position on the speed leaderboard but managed to keep Norris’ car free from any damage. Impressively, he outpaced several established Formula 1 drivers, including Kevin Magnussen from Haas, Pierre Gasly of Alpine, Lance Stroll of Aston Martin, and Alex Albon, who suffered a significant crash in his Williams early in the practice.

Mercedes’ George Russell topped the charts for the session, while Verstappen experienced mechanical troubles that affected his performance. It’s uncertain at this point whether Verstappen will need to replace his engine, which could lead to a penalty going forward.

O’Ward had anticipated a chance to truly showcase his abilities at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, yet he recognized that McLaren — along with Norris — would not permit him to take unnecessary risks. When asked about the extent of O’Ward’s freedom to push the car, Norris was straightforward in his response: “He’s testing my car.”

Norris acknowledged the difficulty of O’Ward’s position, noting that while he is a reserve driver for McLaren in Formula 1, he is also a leading figure in the IndyCar Series. O’Ward, hailing from Monterrey, has eagerly awaited the chance to race in Mexico due to his increasing popularity. His dissatisfaction was evident when NASCAR declared a race in Mexico City for 2025, sparking discussions that may lead to an IndyCar event being held there in 2026.

Norris expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “It’s tough. That’s life. He’s been given the opportunity in the first place, so it’s not just about him. He’s playing a bigger role.” He acknowledged O’Ward’s contribution to the McLaren team and underscored the importance of O’Ward’s experience in representing their team at a home event. “I’m happy for him to go and do that. It’s a very special thing for him,” Norris concluded, reinforcing that while O’Ward would be able to drive, he fully understood the balance between risks and rewards involved in the opportunity.