Dixon says O’Ward is “one of the best guys on the track”
Newly crowned six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon said he was left highly impressed by Arrow McLaren SP’s Patricio O’Ward in the Mexican’s first full season in the series.
The 2018 Indy Lights champion came into the season with just eight IndyCar starts to his name, having driven only half a season with Carlin in 2019, blending it with Formula 2 and Super Formula outings.
However, O’Ward’s runner-up finish in Sunday’s season finale at St. Petersburg – separating Dixon from race winner Josef Newgarden of Team Penske – was his fourth podium finish of the year, and earned him fourth in the championship.
“I’m pretty impressed with Pato,” Dixon told Motorsport.com. “He did a hell of a job all year.
“Actually, I need to talk to Zak [Brown, McLaren CEO] again because I did say he should go with Pato, so I should maybe get some commission on that…”
“Seriously, though, Pato’s been superb and there’s a lot of great talent there at that team.”
One of O’Ward’s most memorable moments was leading from pole in the second race at Road America’s double-header. He led 43 laps, but slightly excessive tire degradation lost him the lead to Dixon’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Felix Rosenqvist less than two laps from the checkered flag.
Yet, aside from his speed on all types of track, one of the most impressive aspects of the Arrow McLaren SP driver’s season was how few mistakes he made.
“Yeah, that was pretty cool to see,” said Dixon. “I think that’s what everyone expected. They said, ‘Oh, he’s fast but he’s gonna crash too much’, or, ‘He’ll make misjudgments that take people out in the races.’
“And that’s just not been the case at all. I thought Pato raced everyone hard but respectfully all year. In fact, I’d say he’s one of the best guys on the track in crazy situations like starts and restarts. He’s hard but fair, gives you enough room, doesn’t run you off the track.
“The team didn’t always have the speed at every track, but Pato drove like a veteran – a very talented and quick one.”
Related video
Stat attack – the final IndyCar driver standings for 2020
IndyCar to test new aero parts to improve Indy 500 action
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and series sophomore Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a breakout year in the IndyCar Series in 2021, winning twice and finishing sixth in points with Chip Ganassi Racing. How did he finally unlock the potential that was masked by five years of toil in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win
Saturday, Oct. 16th, marks the 10th anniversary Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Jack Harvey’s move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate, but their combined strength could prove golden, says David Malsher-Lopez.
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong résumé and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear. By David Malsher-Lopez.
2021 IndyCar title is just the start for Ganassi's newest star
Alex Palou has captured Chip Ganassi Racing's 14th IndyCar drivers' championship, and in truly stellar manner. David Malsher-Lopez explains what made the Palou-Ganassi combo so potent so soon.
Why Grosjean's oval commitment shows he's serious about IndyCar
One of motorsport’s worst-kept secrets now out in the open, and Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as an Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver in 2022. It marks a remarkable turnaround after the abrupt end to his Formula 1 career, and is a firm indication of his commitment to challenge for the IndyCar Series title
IndyCar’s longest silly-season is still at fever pitch
The 2021 IndyCar silly season is one of the silliest of all, but it’s satisfying to see so many talented drivers in play – including Callum Ilott. David Malsher-Lopez reports.