The reception that Pato O'Ward ( Pato O' ) has received at the Mexican Grand Prix might make one believe the 25-year-old was lining up on the F1 grid alongside the likes of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Rather, the Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver has resonated so strongly with motorsport fans in his home country that he receives a hero's welcome upon arrival in Mexico City. His promotion to McLaren reserve driver, and the announcement that he'll jump behind the wheel during FP1 at this weekend's race, has only heightened the fervor around the Monterrey-born athlete.
We caught up with O'Ward earlier this month to discover some of his must-do recommendations in Mexico's capital. Coyoacan district street scene in Mexico City Photo by: Getty Images Eat O'Ward has one rule when it comes to tacos: street vendors are king. "Any taco stand that you see on the street will be good," he said.
"It doesn't matter what the name is or what [they sell], any street taco stand will be phenomenal." As for his order? "Tacos al pastor," O'Ward said, noting that he also likes gorditas with beans and cheese. If you're looking for a more traditional dining experience, O'Ward shared two of his go-to haunts.
"There's a restaurant called Sylvestre, which is wonderful," he said of the rooftop hot spot serving up fine fare. "There's also a restaurant called La Unica which has very, very good Mexican food." Drink O'Ward isn't a big drinker, but there's one beverage he recommends to anyone visiting Mexico.
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