The power system for 2024 is ready to provide an extra 150 horsepower with the inclusion of hybrid components to the 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine.
After completing 103 laps and securing second place in the post-season test at Abu Dhabi, 24-year-old Mexican Patricio O’Ward is confirmed as a reserve driver for McLaren’s MCL60 for 2024.
O’Ward also tested the hybrid at Sebring International Raceway and shared some challenges he encountered. He noted potential reliability issues and the need to optimize it.
“It’ll be a challenge for next year, reliability-wise for everybody. I think it’ll be a challenge in terms of optimizing it,” O’Ward told Motorsport.com
Picture by: Gavin Baker/ Motorsport Images
Patricio O’Ward, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
The hybrid engine has been part of IndyCar’s plans, with the initial 2.4-liter powerplant plan changing to the current 2.2-liter setup.
O’Ward expressed his desire for a new car to accompany the new engine for 2024.
“It’s frustrating that this new era of engine isn’t coming with a new car because we desperately need it,” O’Ward stated.
“But, you know, I don’t make the calls. All I can do is drive the cars and help develop it the best that I can and optimize it.”
“I truly think that IndyCar is in a position where we got to progress, and we got to take a big step. We can’t take baby steps.”
Referring to the design of the hybrid cars in the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s GTP class and Formula 1, O’Ward highlighted the need for progress.
“Look at IMSA with those new LMDh cars, they’re bad ass,” O’Ward stated. “You see these F1 cars and everything that goes into ’em, there’s not one person that doesn’t come here that then says …”
