Colton Herta Supports Mexico IndyCar Race After Pato O’Ward Challenges Promoters
As the IndyCar Series gears up for its upcoming international event in Barcelona, excitement about extending the championship further into Latin America is growing, especially among the drivers themselves.
The idea of adding a race in Mexico has been discussed frequently in the paddock, with Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren, a native of Monterrey, standing out as the sport’s most prominent Mexican driver. After the announcement of the Barcelona race, O’Ward expressed frustration during the Formula 1 weekend in Mexico City over local promoters, pointing to obstacles that have delayed an IndyCar event in his homeland. He criticized the lack of true dedication among regional organizers, emphasizing that any future race in Mexico would need passionate stakeholders committed to the sport’s growth rather than seeking short-term gains.
When asked if IndyCar could thrive in Mexico despite these challenges, nine-time IndyCar race winner and current Cadillac F1 test driver Colton Herta gave his full backing to the idea, highlighting both O’Ward’s popularity and the track’s technical appeal.
“A thousand percent,” Herta said. “I think it could be just as popular. A big reason for that is Pato and his popularity here. I think the racing would be incredible here. It would be very interesting to see what an IndyCar could do around this track, especially with the curbing and the curb profiles. With the IndyCar, you can typically be a lot more aggressive with the curbs than in Formula 1.”
At 26, Herta offers a unique perspective. While deeply rooted in American open-wheel racing through seven full IndyCar seasons, he has spent this year bridging over to Europe by competing in Formula 2 with Hitech, alongside his work with Cadillac’s F1 program. Having just completed his fifth Friday practice session in Mexico City, he is preparing for his sixth at Interlagos this weekend, aiming to secure the final point needed for his FIA Superlicense to race in Formula 1.
Looking at the bigger picture of open-wheel racing’s global path and the new Barcelona date, Herta added:
“I think it would put on a great show. Barcelona is a really cool addition. It would be great if they could follow it up with a race here.”
Key Points
- Pato O’Ward criticizes Mexican promoters for lacking passion and commitment to IndyCar.
- Colton Herta supports bringing IndyCar to Mexico, citing O’Ward’s star power and track challenges.
- Herta balances roles between IndyCar, Formula 2, and testing for Cadillac’s F1 team.
- IndyCar’s first overseas event in Barcelona is set to raise the series' international profile.
