Patricio O’Ward talks 2019 IndyCar season: ‘I landed in the best place’

Patricio O’Ward is already an IndyCar Series sensation, but find out why he believes Carlin is the key to his success in the 2019 IndyCar season.

Patricio O’Ward has been one of the most talked-about names in the NTT IndyCar Series. Having won the Indy Lights championship, he’s ready to move up the ladder and prove that he can be an elite driver.

But things didn’t go according to plan for the Monterrey native, who found himself released from his contract shortly before the start of the 2019 season. Undeterred, O’Ward joined Carlin and he made a spectacular debut in the IndyCar Classic, finishing eighth.

Now, before aiming for an even stronger encore in Sunday’s Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, he spoke to FanSided about how he overcame unexpected adversity and what makes Carlin the best place for him to find IndyCar success.

Meet Patricio O’Ward in our interview below, then don’t miss him in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama this Sunday, Apr. 7 at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

FanSided: You had a chaotic offseason with getting your release and needing to find a new team. What have the last few months been like for you?

Patricio O’Ward: It’s been pretty hectic, honestly. But I’m just super happy. I think I landed in the best place possible for the 2019 IndyCar season.

What is it about Carlin that makes it such a great fit for you?

I think what drew me to them was they’re such a respected and organized European team. They want to win and they know how to win, and that’s what ultimately you want.

I want to win, I want to do well, I want to perform and I’m sure they’re going to give me their all. They’re going to give me what I need to make this happen.

What’s the process of coming into a new organization and getting integrated into the team so that you can succeed?

I think the most important thing is just creating relationships with the mechanics [and] with the engineers. Really understanding each other, so you create the best package for the race weekend. And not just this race weekend; every single one is a little bit different.

How are you approaching the 2019 IndyCar season? Obviously, you’d like to win and be a title contender, but how do you set expectations as you come into the league and learn the ropes?

I think just maximizing every opportunity we have. Carlin is a second-year IndyCar team and I’m still a rookie, so we’re definitely still going to be learning a lot of things. But I think we have the right mindset going forward—just maximize everything and get stuff done.

Aside from winning an Indy Lights title, you’ve also had success in endurance racing, which a lot of IndyCar drivers compete in. Is there anything from that type of racing that translates to here?

It’s different kinds of racing, but I did learn a lot there. Pit stops, fuel, tire conservation and really just taking care of the car. That’s what I took out the most.

What do you want fans to know about Patricio O’Ward?

I’m 19, from Monterrey, Mexico and I’m very dedicated to what I do. I adore what I do and I’m a huge car fan, as everybody knows.

Very few people get to do what I do and I’m very grateful for that. It’s definitely, in my opinion, the best sport in the world. I just think racing gives you everything that you can experience as a fan or as a driver. The smell, the sights, the sounds—and the adrenaline is a big one.

For complete coverage of the 2019 IndyCar season, follow the IndyCar category at FanSided.