Pato O’Ward says F1 feels artificial, prefers IndyCar’s pure racing

IndyCar’s rising star Pato O’Ward says his long‑standing dream of Formula 1 has faded. In a FOX Deportes interview ahead of the Long Beach weekend, the 26‑year‑old called the new F1 cars “artificial,” likening the series to a video‑game and saying he prefers IndyCar’s pure, high‑downforce racing.

Why it matters:

• O’Ward is one of IndyCar’s marquee talents; his public discontent could sway other drivers weighing a move to F1.
• The critique hits at F1’s 2026 technical overhaul, which leans on hybrid power‑units and aero constraints.
• It underscores a broader debate: should top‑level racing prioritize driver skill over electronic aids?

The details:

• He set a personal deadline two years ago to decide on an F1 switch; the deadline passed and his interest waned.
• He calls the current F1 cars “artificial,” saying they rely on “electronic switches” for overtaking.
• He said it’s ‘not Mario Kart’, stressing that real racing demands braking and cornering, not software‑driven deceleration.
• He values IndyCar’s “pure” driving, where aero downforce and mechanical grip dictate performance, and says F1 is an artificial show that fails to capture his interest.

What's next:

• O’Ward will focus on the Long Beach double‑header, aiming for another IndyCar win.
• His comments may fuel driver‑feedback as F1 finalises 2026 rules.
• Series organisers could use the feedback to balance tech and driver involvement.