MEXICO CITY — An unexpected event featuring IndyCar star Pato O’Ward was organized by one of his sponsors just a mere 20 hours before it took place at a mall in Mexico City. Initially, they anticipated around 120 attendees; however, the reality far exceeded that estimation. Fans started lining up a staggering 12 hours ahead of time, resulting in over 3,000 enthusiastic supporters filling the mall’s three levels, while approximately 1,000 more fans waited outside.

When O’Ward arrived at the venue, he had to walk over a mile to reach the mall entrance due to the overwhelming crowd. As he made his way through the throng of supporters, they formed a tunnel for him, showering him with high-fives. O’Ward remarked, “Man, they really made me feel like a pop star.”

The fans displayed their excitement by carrying posters and wearing merchandise, affectionately referring to themselves as “Patties” after O’Ward. Many donned apparel featuring the phrase “Pato Who?” This slogan emerged as a jab at IndyCar CEO Mark Miles, who had previously mentioned that promoters thought O’Ward wasn’t as large a draw as another Mexican driver, Adrian Fernandez, who participated in the series in the past.

The controversy escalated when NASCAR announced plans to host a race in Mexico City in 2025. O’Ward expressed his frustration over IndyCar missing an opportunity in his home country, prompting the series to hastily reconnect with Mexico City race promoters about a potential spot on the 2026 calendar. O’Ward’s popularity was evident during the Formula 1 weekend, where it became clear that he was at least second in fame among Mexican drivers, following Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. O’Ward’s magnetic charisma and ability to connect with fans could typecast him as Mexico’s next great racing icon.

Alejandro Soberón, the president of the Mexico City event promoter CIE, acknowledged O’Ward’s significant fan base and how it has expedited negotiations with IndyCar. “We’ve been in discussions with Indy,” he stated. “They want to come. They have a history of racing in Mexico. We are set to engage in talks again in January regarding 2026. Pato certainly is a considerable factor in all of this.”

In addition to his success in IndyCar, O’Ward has secured a role as the reserve driver for McLaren’s F1 squad. McLaren jumped into the fray immediately after NASCAR’s announcement, confirming that O’Ward would participate in a practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with team principal Zak Brown prominently sporting a “Pato Who” hat during the event. The excitement Swelled as O’Ward took the track, and according to Brown, he delivered a “mega” performance that helped prepare the car for Lando Norris, who ultimately secured second place in the race.

Although it was merely a practice session, O’Ward relished the opportunity to drive in front of a home crowd. “I haven’t had the chance to do this professionally yet. This is as close as I’ve come,” he reflected. “Although it wasn’t a race, being behind the wheel of an F1 car here is incredibly special.”

Looking ahead, McLaren hinted at more plans for O’Ward in Mexico City, including his participation in the Formula E race in January, with prospects of a demonstration run in an Indy car alongside the Formula E team.

At just 25, O’Ward has cultivated a strong following by nurturing connections with his fans. His vibrant personality shines even amidst large crowds, as he strives to engage with as many supporters as possible. “I believe a lot of it roots from my family and our closeness. I’m very outgoing like my mother, and I understand that it’s important to give fans more than just a brief interaction,” he explained. “It’s crucial to spend quality time with them. My parents instilled in me the importance of investing in oneself.”

The impact of O’Ward’s efforts is reflected in impressive sales figures. His merchandise line has been the top-selling in IndyCar for the last three years, with consistent growth each year. His jersey frequently ranks among the top-selling items across various racing events. At this year’s Indianapolis 500, he outperformed renowned NASCAR driver Kyle Larson, leading in both jersey and diecast sales, all while finishing second in the race. This success, however, creates a scheduling conflict as he contemplates participation in upcoming NASCAR events in Mexico City.

O’Ward has received permission from McLaren to compete in the Xfinity Series but is obligated to return for the IndyCar race in St. Louis, which coincides with the NASCAR Cup race. His interest in participating is tempered by the possibility of an IndyCar race in Mexico City in 2026. Furthermore, discussions are underway to potentially align O’Ward with a NASCAR team for the 2026 Daytona 500.

However, his top priorities remain winning the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar championship. While he aspires for a future F1 seat with McLaren — a proposition made difficult by the long-term contracts of young talents Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — he also has clear goals in IndyCar. “I want a Baby Borg; that’s my ambition,” O’Ward stated, alluding to the trophy awarded to the Indianapolis 500 winner. “I am adamant about winning an IndyCar championship too. These are my foremost objectives, and my focus will remain there next year.”