Pato O’Ward Reflects on Valuable Lessons from 2024 Indy 500 Runner-Up Finish

Pato O’Ward Reflects on Valuable Lessons from 2024 Indy 500 Runner-Up Finish

One year ago, Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward was filled with aspirations as he thought about the prestigious Indy 500. He expressed his hopes to Fox News Digital, recalling how he envisioned himself crossing the finish line ahead of his competitors.

O’Ward shared a candid moment from last May, stating, “I keep racing multiple Indy 500’s in my head. It’s crazy. You try and tone it down as much as you can, but this race… it’s unlike anything else.” Such deep dedication to the sport showcases his passion.

During the latest Indy 500, O’Ward experienced a bittersweet moment. He led with just one lap remaining, only to see Josef Newgarden surge ahead to claim victory. What should have been a moment of triumph turned into one of despair as O’Ward found himself hunched over his car, visibly affected by the outcome. This marked his second runner-up finish in three years.

“At that moment, it was a scene bursting with emotions that felt overwhelming,” he later reflected to Fox News Digital prior to this year’s Memorial Day race. “It was simply raw—right there, but just missing it. It’s happened a few times before, which is why the emotion was so profound.”

O’Ward conveyed the human side of competitive racing, stating, “I dedicate everything to this moment, and sometimes it’s right there but just out of reach. That’s part of the journey.” Though the results in Indianapolis have been disappointing, his positive outlook for the upcoming race remains steadfast.

With humor, O’Ward recalled that at this time last year, he had three races where he did not finish. “The month leading up to the race allows you to be in the present, free from past failures or future anxieties. It’s a remarkable experience,” he added.

The sting of losing lingers long after the event. Yet, O’Ward firmly believes that every defeat is an opportunity for growth. He emphasized the crucial lessons learned from last year’s challenging race.

Key Insights from Last Year

“You need to be at the front during the last stint,” O’Ward explained when reflecting on his past experiences. “That final segment is vital, and given the unpredictability of the race, such as a yellow flag, you can’t afford to remain rigid. You must be flexible and adaptable, adjusting your approach as conditions change.”

This season, O’Ward’s quest for his first victory continues within IndyCar. He has recorded two top-five and three top-10 placements, currently holding fourth place in the NTT IndyCar Series standings.

Focusing on the Next Race

His recent performance at the 2025 Grand Prix of Indianapolis was noteworthy as he secured another runner-up finish, this time trailing Alex Palou. While not actively pursuing dreams of celebrating with his Arrow McLaren team, O’Ward acknowledges that the vision of kissing the famous Yard of Bricks still lingers in his mind.

“That moment of victory remains a hauntingly motivating factor, especially since I was so close to achieving it,” he remarked, underlining the importance of resilience and focus.

“At this stage, it’s not about luck. We have put ourselves in the position to seize these opportunities,” O’Ward elaborated, highlighting the work ethic of his team. “We’ve learned how to perform under pressure, and this clarity instills confidence in our approach to racing.”

He concluded, “We’re not searching for a feeling we have yet to experience, nor are we lost. Instead, we are familiar with this path, which further strengthens our resolve.”

The Anticipation of the Indy 500 Broadcast

The renowned Indy 500 will be showcased on May 25 on FOX, with pre-coverage commencing at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can also stream the event live via FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app.

For further coverage of sports news, follow the relevant social media accounts and subscribe to the sports newsletters available to stay updated.