Pato O’Ward eyeing $2.6M Indy 500 bet with Zak Brown for McLaren Supercar

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Pato O’Ward eyeing .6M Indy 500 bet with Zak Brown for McLaren Supercar — Pato OWard eyeing 26M Indy 500 bet with Zak Brown.jpg

Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward is looking to add some excitement to the upcoming Indy 500 by proposing an extravagant bet with his boss Zak Brown. Known for his playful betting traditions with F1 drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, Brown has been a good sport when it comes to honoring these wagers.

In the past, Brown has agreed to get tattoos of circuit layouts on his arms after his drivers’ victories. For instance, when Ricciardo won the Italian GP in 2021, Brown got a tattoo of the Monza circuit. Similarly, after Norris’ first F1 win in Miami, Brown got a tattoo of the Miami GP circuit. However, after Piastri’s unofficial bet for a papaya-colored Mohawk, Brown opted for a wig instead.

Now, O’Ward is aiming for the ultimate prize in his bet with Brown. If he wins the prestigious Indy 500, he wants Brown to gift him a McLaren W1 Supercar valued at $2.6 million. The McLaren W1 is set to be the fastest road-legal car produced by the automotive giant, with impressive specs like the ability to reach 200 km/h in just 5.8 seconds and generate 1000 kg of downforce with shapeshifting aerodynamics.

Despite coming close to victory in the past, with second-place finishes in 2022 and 2024, O’Ward is determined to secure the Indy 500 title. In 2024, he was leading the race on the final lap before Josef Newgarden made a late pass to snatch the win, leaving O’Ward in tears.

Looking ahead to the 2026 IndyCar season, O’Ward has set a lofty goal for himself – to complete every lap of every race. While he had a strong lap completion rate this year until a mechanical failure in Portland, he aims to avoid such setbacks in the future. With six podium finishes and two race wins in 2025, O’Ward is determined to make a mark in the upcoming season.

As he sets his sights on achieving his goals, O’Ward remains focused and determined to showcase his skills on the track. With Brown by his side, supporting him in his endeavors, the Arrow McLaren driver is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead in the quest for IndyCar glory.

The article was edited by Yash Kotak.