Pato O'Ward shares funny update after suffering illness following Mexico GP FP1 stint
Pato O'Ward shared updates with his fans after falling ill following his FP1 stint in Mexico
Pato O'Ward, McLaren F1 Team
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Mexican driver Pato O'Ward shared an update with his fans after being taken ill following his stint with McLaren during the first practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix race weekend.
After stepping into Lando Norris's McLaren MCL39 during FP1, the IndyCar driver was treated for food poisoning in the medical centre. Motorsport.com understands that the 26-year-old was given IV fluids for dehydration and medication for stomach pain while doctors monitored his heart rate.
McLaren later confirmed: "Pato was taken to the medical center for assessment after FP1, having reported feeling unwell. After assessment and a period of observation, he was then discharged back to the team."
O'Ward took to social media to share a couple of updates with his followers. "I needed a cork today," he joked, before making the most of the situation to endorse his sponsor, Electrolit. "Here we gooo. Your messages and support today are appreciated," he wrote alongside a photo with the rehydration drink.
While the Mexican driver missed various media duties for the remainder of Friday, he returned to the track for qualifying day to support the McLaren team.
"Being back on track in Mexico is so special to me," O'Ward explained in McLaren's Friday debrief. "All week, the fans have been passionate and loud, making me feel right at home again. I want to thank the team for putting me in the seat.
"We ran through the programme we had planned for the day successfully, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support Lando and Oscar on their championship runs with time in the car today. I’m excited to see the team finish up the weekend strong.”
Team principal Andrea Stella added: "Thank you to Pato who did a good job in place of Lando in FP1. He provided a valuable contribution to our data collection, which is appreciated by the team."
Photos from Mexican GP - Practice & Qualifying
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Mexican GP - Saturday, in photos
Share Or Save This Story
Laurent Mekies credited with ending Red Bull's second seat "curse"
Guenther Steiner jokes Christian Horner Ferrari talk is good book publicity
Kimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi Schiff
Arrow McLaren signs multi-year engine extension with Chevrolet
"He is full of sh*t": Pato O’Ward blasts departing Arrow McLaren teammate Christian Lundgaard
From “Lost puppy” to history maker: Pato O’Ward goes into IndyCar record books with single-day Milwaukee sweep
Pierre Gasly questions FIA stewards' decision not to penalise Lando Norris after Singapore crash
F1 Singapore GP: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
How the Bahrain GP in Malaysia exposed Red Bull’s hidden resurgence
How can Kimi Antonelli become world champion at F1 US GP?
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's most iconic Charlotte moments
Lewis Hamilton takes blame for poor Singapore GP strategy
F1 Singapore GP: Max Verstappen dominates for Marina Bay double
What we learned from the 2026 F1 Singapore GP sprint and qualifying
How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse
Why Red Bull's 'crazy' power unit success matters so much for F1
No denying it now – the one reason why F1’s ‘horrible’ start in Malaysia could be a good thing
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments