The recent announcement that the IndyCar Series will race in Barcelona starting in 2027 under a multi-year agreement has drawn remarks from Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward. The Mexican racer highlighted that bringing such an event to life requires a unified effort, a factor he believes has been missing in Mexico.
The Barcelona Deal Versus Mexican Hurdles
Even with its geographical proximity, a race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez appears distant for the near future. O’Ward noted that the swiftness with which Barcelona finalized its agreement demonstrates the power of collective backing, contrasting it with the financial obstacles that have halted progress in the Mexican market.
“As you saw now that we’re going to Barcelona, you can tell over there how quickly a deal can be done when everyone, when the city or the track really wants the series to go,” O’Ward stated to ESPN.
He added that while initial arrangements are straightforward, economic viability remains a major hurdle. “That’s the easy part. The problem is when they present you with something that’s a bit difficult to actually pull off so that it’s a viable business for everyone, that’s where you say: ‘well, it’s not just about flying over, it’s bringing the cars and the team, everything a major event requires,'” O’Ward explained.
Potential in Mexico and the Need for Commitment
The Monterrey native believes that an IndyCar event in Mexico could achieve a massive following comparable to Formula 1, noting historical events like the CART era featuring Adrián Fernández at Parque Fundidora and Mexico City as clear evidence of the sport’s viability.
“IndyCar in Mexico would be a similar phenomenon to Formula 1. Just think about what CART was like with Adrián Fernández, going to Parque Fundidora, coming to Mexico City; it has all the potential to do that,” O’Ward said.
Ultimately, O’Ward pointed to negotiation mindsets and insufficient dedication as the primary barriers. “We need everyone involved to be passionate about bringing the series here, not just looking for their paycheck. So the most important thing is to assemble a group of people who are all genuinely involved and want this to be a success,” he concluded.
