Duck O’Ward came close to conquering the Indianapolis 500. The Mexican driver starred in a memorable comeback in the 110th edition of the indy 500but constant yellow flags and a chaotic closing ended up leaving him in fourth position, while Felix Rosenqvist took the victory in a photography final over David Malukas.
The difference between Rosenqvist and Malukas was just 23 thousandths in the mythical Indianapolis Motor Speedwaya scenario that once again delivered an outcome full of tension. The podium was completed Scott McLaughlinwhile Duck O’Ward ended up only 42 hundredths of the victory most important of his career.
Pato O’Ward once again demonstrated his level in Indianapolis
The driver from Monterrey confirmed once again that the Indianapolis oval is one of his strongest circuits within the IndyCar. Despite not feeling completely comfortable with the car during the weekend, he managed to manage fuel, maintain a competitive pace and recover after a difficult start.
O’Ward He started from sixth position, but fell to 12th place after the first pit stops and multiple cautions. However, as the race progressed, the Mexican found rhythm and strategy to once again place himself among the leaders.
In the final stretch even took the lead for the first time on lap 177, igniting the enthusiasm of millions of Mexican fans who dreamed of seeing him lift the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy.
“I was in a good position, but the suction was not the best, possibly I should have worked with someone, take advantage of the suction to be able to pass. It was a very long day and I am happy that the day is over,” he declared. Duck O’Wardwho also congratulated Felix Rosenqvisthis former teammate at Arrow McLaren.
Accidents and rain marked the first half of the Indy 500
The race started with Alexander Rossi taking the lead and constantly fighting with Alex Palouwhile O’Ward lost positions to Conor Daly and Scott McLaughlin.
The first yellow flags appeared quickly. On lap 18, Ryan Hunter-Reay He lost control of his car and caused an incident that also involved Katherine Leggeforcing the competition to be neutralized.
Later, Ed Wood employee, Will Energy, Alexander Rossi and Joseph Newgarden They were also left out after accidents or mechanical problems in a race marked by light rain and constant interruptions.
A red flag even appeared on lap 105 due to precipitation on the circuit, stopping the action for several minutes.
The strategy put Pato O’Ward in the fight for victory
As the laps progressed, strategy began to play a key role. A sequence of arrests allowed Felix Rosenqvist, Kyffin Simpson and Duck O’Ward appeared among the first places.
The Mexican took perfect advantage of fuel savings and traffic to stay in the leading group. After the last round of pits, O’Ward momentarily inherited the lead and came to fight wheel to wheel with Rosenqvist.
With 15 laps to go, the Swede regained the lead and began an intense duel with the Mexican, who remained on the lookout waiting for the exact moment to attack.
A chaotic closing left the Mexican without a podium
The race changed again with eight laps to go, when Caio Collet suffered a serious accident that caused another yellow flag and later a red flag.
The relaunch came with just four laps remaining and chaos appeared immediately. Marcus Armstrong found space in the middle of the pack, while David Malukas He advanced aggressively to get into the fight.
With little room for maneuver, Duck O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist They lost positions momentarily. Another yellow flag ended up limiting any recovery attempt by the Mexican.
In the last lap, O’Ward no longer had enough speed to attack, leaving the definition between Rosenqvist and Malukas. Finally, the Swede crossed the finish line first in the closest finish in history in the Indianapolis 500.
Pato O’Ward will have to wait another year to seek glory
The victory in indy 500 continues to escape for the Mexican driver, who was once again very close to entering the group of winners in Indianapolis.
Although the result left a bitter taste due to how close he was to the podium and victory, Duck O’Ward He once again established himself as one of the most competitive drivers in the category and one of the public’s favorites in international motorsports.
The dream of drinking milk on the podium in Indianapolis will have to wait one more season.
Keep reading:
· Pato O’Ward finished in fifth place in Long Beach
· Pato O’Ward suffers in Alabama and breaks his good streak in IndyCar 2026: “They kicked our ass…”
· Pato O’Ward believes that to fight for the IndyCar championship he cannot allow any “slip”
