Brand Partner ContentSpeeding down the track in the bright orange No. 5 Arrow McLaren racing car is Pato O’Ward. Coming off his milestone 2022 season where he won two races, finished on the podium four times, captured one pole, and was runner-up in the Indianapolis 500, he began his career in 2005 at the age of six. As a rising star in the world of motorsport, Pato O’Ward has also gained a reputation as a heartthrob among fans. With his striking looks and charming personality, he has captured the hearts of many both on and off the track becoming the heartthrob of racing. At age 16, Pato debuted in the Pro Mazda Championship with Team Pelfrey, sweeping accolades a year later to capture seven wins, five poles, eight podium finishes, and a second-place finish at the championship, all with a contagious smile on his face.
With a growing loyal fanbase in the US and around the world, Pato won the Rolex 24 Hour of Daytona in 2017 and the 12 Hour of Sebring, making him the youngest driver ever to win both races at the age of 17. His historic racing season led him to lift the trophy of the Championship and North American Endurance Cup (NAEC) in 2017. His speedy talents, and infectious personality, dominated the Indy Lights Championship following his signing with Andretti Autosports in 2018. Pato won nine out of the 17 races and won the Indy Lights title.
In 2019 Pato announced that he would be joining the Arrow McLaren SP for the 2020 IndyCar season, one of the most prized seats in motorsports. Alongside McLaren, Pato finished fourth in the NTT Indycar series championship, winning Rookie of the Year and finishing 6th in the Indianapolis 500, breaking barriers for Mexican drivers. A year later, in 2021, he made history again in the Indianapolis 500, finishing 4th while also making his debut in the Formula One Rookie Test even in Abu Dhabi.
When Pato is not at the track, he races to Indio, California for a weekend getaway. With him is a weekender bag filled with all his essentials: a few fits, a sun hat, sunscreen, and of course, his favorite Electrolit in passion fruit for hydration. One of his favorite sushi places is in Indio, so it’s no surprise he heads to Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar in La Quinta. A fusion of Japanese and Californian cuisine, Pato starts with the sashimi salad drizzled with yuzu dressing served cold and fresh. He also orders the shrimp stuffed jalapeños which are lightly fried and add a kick of heat. For his main, the nigiri sampler alongside the seared albacore, paired with sake is his favorite pick.
During the day, Pato is sunbathing in the outdoor pool of the Renaissance. It’s a moment to detach and relax behind the gorgeous mountainscapes of the Indio Valley. After a moment in the sun, it’s time for him to get a therapeutic massage at the Indio Spa, where he gets deep into the tissues and strained muscles from his long season. Pato adds on the Aloe Hydrating Facial treatment to help revitalize and refresh his skin using a special aloe vera technique. Afterward, he heads over to the Gargan Optics Observatory. Absent from the city lights, the Gargan is the ideal place to stargaze by taking in breathtaking astronomy and celestial and terrestrial events. He recommends going between 8 pm to 11 pm for optimum stargazing.
Before heading to his pool time, Pato recommends taking a joy ride on the hot air balloons at Balloons Above. A unique early morning tour like no other offers a luscious vantage point of the Indio Valley. Before hitting the road to head back to training, Pato always makes a stop at Everbloom Coffee and gets their Green Tea Lemonade for a refreshing yet caffeinated punchy drink, it’s a staple that he looks forward to every time he comes to Indio. On the car ride back Pato keeps his Electrolit in hand to refuel from the desert heat before heading to the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach starting April 14th.
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