Palou, the 2021 INDYCAR champion, had stated he was “excited to be making a weekend debut” in front of the American fans who have seen and supported him previously in INDYCAR. During the test he showed immediate confidence despite it being his first time in the MCL36, stating over the radio at the end of FP1 “This car is insane.”
He took some time to tell SoyMotor.com the key differences between INDYCAR and the Formula 1 cars, saying “It’s a never-ending acceleration, it seems to go on and on. Then when you do more laps, you get used to it and you see where it ends… and then there’s the braking, the cornering… It’s just so perfect.”
The braking, the cornering... It's just so perfect
Alex Palou
O’Ward, who drives in Indycar for Arrow Mclaren SP, has had a successful season in INDYCAR, adding two wins and two podiums to his record alongside his two previous wins and seven podiums. The Mexican driver also the 2021 Indy Lights championship title. O’ward has said he “can't wait to get out on track in Abu Dhabi.” He first tried the Mclaren in last year’s Abu Dhabi young driver test, and again in the 2021 car in Barcelona as part of the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme.
Phil Thomas, the lead TPC engineer has been impressed with how fast both drivers have been adapting to the cars, and Zac Brown seems to have his eye on the two as contenders for the Mclaren Formula 1 seats in the future.