Pato O'Ward Hospitalized with Food Poisoning After F1 Mexico GP Practice

IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward was taken to the medical center after falling ill with food poisoning during the Mexico Grand Prix weekend. Despite completing 30 laps in Lando Norris's McLaren MCL39 during Friday's FP1 session, O'Ward required treatment as his symptoms worsened.

Why it matters:

Pato O'Ward, a promising IndyCar talent, made a highly anticipated appearance in an F1 practice session, generating significant buzz among fans, especially in his home country, Mexico. His sudden illness underscores the intense physical demands placed on drivers, even during practice, and highlights the potential health risks that can affect performance and participation.

The Details:

• O'Ward finished 13th on the timesheets in FP1, seemingly unaffected during his run.
• However, immediately after his stint, he received intravenous (IV) fluids for dehydration and medication for stomach pain.
• Doctors were also monitoring his heart rate, indicating the severity of his condition.
• Due to his illness, O'Ward was unable to participate in any scheduled press events or sponsor meetings following his practice session, prioritizing medical attention.
• Despite his health issues, McLaren published a quote from O'Ward in their practice report, where he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and his enjoyment of being back on track in Mexico.
• McLaren team principal Andrea Stella thanked O'Ward for his "valuable contribution" to their data collection during FP1.

Between the Lines:

O'Ward's ability to complete his practice program effectively, even while battling the onset of food poisoning, speaks volumes about his determination and professionalism. While McLaren's official communication maintained a positive front, the need for immediate medical intervention suggests his condition was more serious than publicly acknowledged at the time. This incident also serves as a subtle reminder of the often-unseen challenges drivers face beyond the track.

What's next:

Lando Norris, who was replaced by O'Ward for FP1, resumed driving his car for the remainder of the Mexico Grand Prix weekend. There have been no further updates on Pato O'Ward's health from McLaren or his representatives, but the expectation is for him to recover fully. This experience, while challenging, will likely provide valuable insights for both O'Ward and McLaren in managing driver well-being during high-pressure race weekends.