IndyCar star claims 'country would FALL' if he made rumored F1 move

Pato OWard and Lando Norris at McLaren in 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

IndyCar star claims 'country would FALL' if he made rumored F1 move

Cadillac are yet to announce their 2026 driver lineup

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Friday 9 May 2025 21:00

IndyCar star Pato O'Ward has spoken about a rumored move to Formula 1, ahead of a test at an F1 race this year.

Cadillac are set to join the sport next year, but have yet to unveil their driver lineup despite a number of rumors and an event in Miami to launch their team logo.

However, one star has revealed he's had no contact with the team, despite rumours that he could be a potential candidate for the Cadillac seat – although he admitted he's been toying with the media over a possible move.

F1 paddock photographer Kym Illman interviewed Pato O’Ward about these rumours, where he put to bed his chances of switching to the series from IndyCar.

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“Everyone kept saying Cadillac! You and Checo,” O’Ward said. “And I was like, you know what, I’m going to add some logs to the fire, and I’m going to poke them.

“That was just me having fun with it, there’s been no contact at all. No contact. I do think it would be really cool to have a full on Mexican team, two full time Mexican drivers in a Formula 1 team that would be historic for the country.

O’Ward denies Cadillac contact

Whilst O’Ward may not be in contention for a Cadillac drive, Mexican driver Sergio Perez remains one of the favourites to sign for the team after team executive Mario Andretti revealed their interest in the driver earlier in the year.

However, Cadillac may not be the only team interested in signing Perez, with reportedly two further F1 teams interested in acquiring his signature.

Mick Schumacher’s name has also popped up as a potential Cadillac seat candidate, and attended the team’s launch in Miami as he looks towards making an F1 comeback.

The German driver has even been supported by Sebastian Vettel, who backed Schumacher for a Cadillac seat when asked about the decision the team has to make.

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Formula 1 IndyCar Cadillac Miami Pato O'Ward Kym Illman