Last season may not have resulted in a championship win for Pato O’Ward, but the 24-year-old driver showcased remarkable progress and potential. With an impressive record of seven podium finishes and 14 top 10s throughout the 17 rounds, O’Ward’s determination and talent were on full display. This marked his third consecutive season as the highest-ranked driver not affiliated with Chip Ganassi Racing or Team Penske. A former engineer for Josef Newgarden during the 2019 title-winning season, O’Ward’s teammate and Arrow McLaren SP team principal, Taylor Ward, commends his consistency and mental approach. Ward believes that O’Ward’s unwavering focus will propel him to even greater heights in the future.
The addition of David Malukas to the Arrow McLaren SP team elevates the level of anticipation for the upcoming season. Malukas replaces Felix Rosenqvist, bringing a fresh dynamic to the team alongside O’Ward and Alexander Rossi. Taylor Ward expresses excitement about the whole lineup and believes that they have what it takes to reach the top step of the podium in the upcoming season. However, there is a recognition of the need for improvements in race day performance. Ward and the team have dedicated themselves to working hard internally and collaborating with their partner, Chevy, to bridge the gap and achieve better execution on race days.
When asked about specific areas of improvement, Ward highlights two key aspects: fuel economy strategy and pitlane performance. Ward acknowledges that they were outperformed in the fuel economy game by competitors like Chip Ganassi Racing. To address this, the team is exploring all possible strategies to optimize their fuel usage. Additionally, they aspire to improve their pitlane performance, aiming to move beyond their current position as the third-best team in the pitlane. Although the team faces strong competition from experienced opponents, Ward remains optimistic that they can bridge the gap and minimize mistakes on race day.
Reliability is another crucial area of focus for the team as a whole. While the #5 car driven by O’Ward may not have suffered as much as some others in terms of reliability, Arrow McLaren SP aims to enhance their processes to ensure consistent performance across their three-car setup. Ward reveals that the offseason has been dedicated to refining the team’s procedures and streamlining their operations to maximize efficiency and minimize any potential vulnerabilities.
The partnership between Pato O’Ward and Arrow McLaren SP holds great promise. O’Ward’s talent, combined with the team’s relentless pursuit of improvement, sets the stage for an exciting future. As they strive to address areas of weakness and optimize their performance, Arrow McLaren SP is determined to establish themselves as a formidable force on the race track. With the support of the talented lineup and collaborative efforts with their partners at Chevy, the team is poised to make a mark in the upcoming season. The upcoming year presents an opportunity for O’Ward to further solidify his place among the top drivers in the series and fulfill his potential as a championship contender.
While last season may not have resulted in a championship win, Pato O’Ward’s performance showcased his immense talent and potential. With the support of his team at Arrow McLaren SP, he continues to grow and improve. The addition of David Malukas and the team’s dedication to enhancing their race day performance hold great promise for the future. As they address areas of improvement and refine their processes, O’Ward and Arrow McLaren SP are poised for success. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for O’Ward to shine and solidify his place among the top drivers in the racing world.
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