We are on the eve of the conclusion of the F1 summer break in 2022 and it was indeed two weeks filled with drama. One of the biggest headlines featured the former F2 champion, Oscar Piastri, and his links with McLaren.
The Woking outfit looks determined to replace the struggling recruit in the form of Daniel Ricciardo with a future talent of the sport.
However, Piastri is not the only name that has been linked to wearing the orange racing suit next season. Drivers like Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, and Colton Herta were favorites to join the team next season.
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Nevertheless, as the events unraveled in the silly season, the fate of these drivers have since changed. The driver racing in IndyCar for the Arrow McLaren SP opined on his learning from the news in the drivers market.
Talking to ESPN, he said, “It’s not good for me to have that illusion. It’s a dream that’s very far away, because although I’m racing at a very high level, it’s still not enough to convince them. There are many things that come into play that are beyond me.”
“I found it [the whole situation around Piastri, Alpine and McLaren] laughable. I saw it and I laughed. The same prize [a debut in F1] has been put in front of many other drivers by Brown. In the end, there is only one seat and not five.”
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The direct consequence of all this has hurt his chances of racing in the premier racing league, but that did not stop him from posting a witty tweet amidst the driver market saga.
The Mexican posted a popcorn emoji to signify he is tuned into the drama that presents itself on F1 Twitter.
Will Pato O’Ward race for McLaren in F1?
The pinnacle of motorsport is an exclusive racing league that comprises the top 20 drivers of the world. Each racer starts his journey with a goal of reaching F1 one day, but because of the limited availability of seats, many cannot realize their ambitions.
Presently, O’Ward shares a similar fate as the IndyCar star checks all the boxes for a talented driver, but the unavailability of any opportunity has held him back to step up in this cut-throat competition. In light of this, he shared if there is any option in his contract to join forces with the McLaren F1 team.
He said, “Right now you can’t present me something for a Formula 1 seat, because you don’t have any seats, those seats are gone,” said the regal O’Ward.
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“Yes, (Zak has told him about the contract for F1) but since the season is right now I didn’t want to get involved in that ‘let me finish here’. (translated using google)
“Anyway, I couldn’t leave, he has me on his Indycar team, it’s not as if ‘bye I’m leaving’, I am signed with his Indycar team and if he wants to put me in a Formula 1 car, he can put me in a Formula 1 car.”
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As things stand, it looks like the papaya team has signed more junior talent in its ranks than the number of opportunities available. Do you think this strategy would backfire for the British racing stable in the long run?