Mexican Driver Patricio O’Ward Secures Second Win of the Season in Toronto
Patricio O’Ward, a Monterrey-born Mexican driver, clinched his second victory of the 2025 IndyCar Series season and his ninth triumph overall in the series during the Toronto race. His journey to victory began from the tenth position on the starting grid, showcasing his skill and determination to reach the top spot.
O’Ward’s Triumph and Its Significance
After crossing the finish line with a time of 1:48:23.9092 at the Exhibition Place circuit, O’Ward expressed his joy: “This has been a fantastic day. Toronto has always been one of our most challenging tracks, and I didn’t expect such an improvement this year.”
Tony Kanaan, team principal of Arrow McLaren, echoed O’Ward’s sentiments: “This circuit hasn’t been one of our strongest ones, so winning is a clear signal to the entire team that we never give up. I’m proud of everyone, and it’s a great feeling overall… It was a positive weekend for the whole team, of course, with only one winner to celebrate.”
Race Standings and Championship Implications
Rinus VeeKay (Dale Coyne Racing) secured second place, while Kyffin Simpson (Chip Ganassi Racing) completed the podium. O’Ward led for 30 out of 90 laps and maintained an average speed of 88.972 kilometers per hour.
With this victory, O’Ward solidified his position as the silver medalist in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, amassing 437 points. The leader remains Álex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) with 536 points, despite finishing 12th in Toronto.
Only four races remain in the season, and O’Ward still has a chance to contend for the title. A second-place finish would also be historic for him, as he has never finished higher than third since his IndyCar Series debut in 2018.
O’Ward’s Career Achievements
Throughout his career, O’Ward has secured nine victories: Texas and Detroit in 2021, Alabama and Iowa in 2022, Saint Petersburg, Ohio, and Milwaukee in 2024, as well as Iowa and Toronto in 2025. He only failed to win in 2023.
O’Ward has distanced himself from third place in the Drivers’ Championship by 74 points, occupied by American Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti Global).
A week prior, O’Ward’s victory in Iowa, the first of the 2025 season, propelled him from third to second in the Drivers’ Championship. Although he remains there, he has narrowed the gap with Palou.
Upcoming Races
The Toronto race was the 13th of 17 scheduled for the season. The remaining races will take place in Monterey, California; Portland, Oregon; West Allis, Wisconsin; and Lebanon, Tennessee, concluding on August 31 at the Nashville Superspeedway.
O’Ward’s IndyCar Series Accomplishments
In his IndyCar Series tenure, O’Ward has achieved nine victories in 102 races started, six pole positions, and a total of 992 laps led. These accomplishments have allowed him to finish in the top 5 on 46 occasions and in the top 10 on 66 occasions, according to the official IndyCar Series website.
In the 2025 season alone, O’Ward has participated in 13 races, securing two wins, leading 127 laps, claiming one pole position, and finishing within the top 5 eight times and within the top 10 ten times.
The next race is scheduled for July 27 at the WeatherTech Raceway in Laguna Seca, California. O’Ward aims to extend his current winning streak, having triumphed in two of his last three races.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Patricio O’Ward? Patricio O’Ward is a Mexican racing driver born in Nuevo León, currently competing in the IndyCar Series.
- What is significant about O’Ward’s Toronto victory? This win was O’Ward’s second of the 2025 IndyCar Series season and his ninth overall, strengthening his position as the silver medalist in the Drivers’ Championship.
- How many victories does O’Ward have in IndyCar Series? O’Ward has secured nine victories in 102 IndyCar Series races, with two wins in the 2025 season so far.
- What are the remaining races in the 2025 IndyCar Series? The upcoming races are in Monterey, California; Portland, Oregon; West Allis, Wisconsin; Lebanon, Tennessee; and the season finale on August 31 at Nashville Superspeedway.
