Pato O'Ward dismisses rumors linking him to Cadillac's F1 entry: ‘just like Alonso and Taylor Swift’

IndyCar Star Pato O'Ward Dismisses Cadillac F1 Rumors with Playful Comparison to Alonso-Swift Saga

IndyCar standout Pato O'Ward has humorously shrugged off speculation about a potential move to Formula 1 with Cadillac, likening the gossip to the outlandish social media rumors connecting Fernando Alonso and pop icon Taylor Swift last year.

For some time, O'Ward has been mentioned in F1 circles as a possible candidate for a future seat, and Cadillac’s potential entry into the sport in 2026 as part of a partnership with Andretti Global has reignited those discussions. While Cadillac has yet to officially outline its plans, the automaker is reportedly keeping tabs on top talent from IndyCar, including O'Ward, who has built a sterling reputation as a rising star with Arrow McLaren.

However, the Mexican driver quashed the notion of any imminent move with a playful jab at the swirling rumors. “The rumors about me going to Cadillac were like the rumors about Fernando Alonso hanging out with Taylor Swift,” O'Ward told ESPN MX.

Cadillac's F1 Plans and Potential Driver Choices

Although O'Ward has scoffed at the alleged F1 link, Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon recently stirred intrigue during the High Performance podcast, where he floated several names as potential drivers for their 2026 debut. Among those named were Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas, and O'Ward’s compatriot, Sergio Pérez.

Pérez, a veteran of Formula 1, is facing uncertainty after being replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing for the upcoming 2024 season—a move the team later amended, opting for Yuki Tsunoda instead. Though his F1 future remains unclear, O'Ward spoke highly of his fellow Mexican driver and hinted at a possible return to the grid.

“I think his departure from Formula 1 wasn’t what he wanted,” O’Ward said. “If he chooses not to return, he’ll still be an idol. If he chooses to return, he’ll still be an idol. I don’t think much changes there. But I already saw him training, and he wouldn’t be training if he wasn’t coming back.”

A Stellar IndyCar Season

Currently, O'Ward’s focus remains firmly on his IndyCar campaign, where he sits second in the championship standings, trailing only Álex Palou. As a key figure for Arrow McLaren's IndyCar outfit and a reserve driver for McLaren's F1 team, O’Ward has established himself as a versatile talent capable of excelling in multiple motorsport disciplines.

While rumors of an F1 switch—and Cadillac’s plans—may persist, O'Ward’s career trajectory continues to captivate racing fans. As for the comparisons to the Fernando Alonso and Taylor Swift saga, O'Ward has made it clear he'd rather keep his focus on making headlines for his performance on the track rather than entertaining wild speculation off it.

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