Pato O’Ward has signed a multiyear extension with McLaren Racing, the IndyCar group introduced Friday.

The Mexican driver is coming into his fifth full season in IndyCar, all with Arrow McLaren, and late final yr was named McLaren’s reserve driver for its System One group.

The Indianapolis Star reported this week that O’Ward had signed a two-year extension after the F1 promotion that pushed his contract previous its authentic 2025 expiration and earned him $10.2 million in extra pay. The disclosure was in courtroom paperwork associated to McLaren’s breach of contract lawsuit in opposition to Alex Palou, who modified his thoughts about becoming a member of McLaren for the IndyCar season that begins subsequent week.

O’Ward, 24, has 4 profession wins and 20 podium finishes in 64 begins with McLaren. He additionally earned the Tremendous License required to compete in F1. The group stated Friday that O’Ward will likely be McLaren’s reserve F1 driver following the IndyCar season, which ends in September.

“I could not be extra excited to signal this take care of the group,” O’Ward stated. “McLaren has turn into dwelling for me, and I’m proud that I will be racing in papaya for a couple of extra years a minimum of.”

Arrow McLaren group principal Gavin Ward stated the group has grown round O’Ward. McLaren this yr will area automobiles for O’Ward, Alexander Rossi and David Malukas, although Malukas was not too long ago injured and is anticipated to overlook the primary two races of the season.

“It has been nice to see Pato and the group develop collectively. We’re thrilled to proceed racing with him, and I sit up for exhibiting the racing world what we are able to obtain as a gaggle,” Ward stated. “Having this accomplished and dusted earlier than the beginning of the season means the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew can go into the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg free from distraction and with one aim in thoughts: to execute every race weekend to the fullest of our potential.”