Key takeaways

Pato O’Ward steered clear of political discussions during the press conference for the IndyCar Washington Grand Prix. The McLaren driver believes the historic event serves as a prime platform to showcase open-wheel racing and foster unity among people from various backgrounds in the United States.

The Washington GP celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—originally dubbed the Freedom 250. However, the event carries inherent political undertones, stemming from a push by IndyCar broadcast partner FOX, with strong encouragement from the Donald Trump administration for the race, which was added to the 2026 calendar after the initial schedule was locked in.

While Chip Ganassi Racing owner Chip Ganassi urged that the Washington GP not be “weighed down by politics,” O’Ward chose to sidestep the controversy and focus on the event’s broader cultural impact.

“We are currently living in such a polarized period that, frankly, I think this is an incredible opportunity for an event of this magnitude to bring everyone together and allow people to experience motorsport,” O’Ward said.

“IndyCar has never done anything like this before. So it’s a huge opportunity for us, the drivers, teams, sponsors, and the series itself, but also to bring this to the people of the United States, to the people who live right here in Washington,” O’Ward added.

McLaren track walk on the Washington street circuit (Photo: Bob Pockrass)

“I know there aren’t just Americans here. There are people from many different ethnicities and from all parts of the world. That is something very beautiful to be able to provide this weekend,” he concluded.

IndyCar action continues this weekend, August 22–23, with the inaugural Washington Grand Prix on a street circuit built around the U.S. Capitol.

Session schedule: Washington Grand Prix 2026

SessionLocal time (EDT)UTC
Practice 1Saturday, August 22 – 09:0013:00
Practice 2Saturday, August 22 – 13:0017:00
QualifyingSaturday, August 22 – 17:0021:00
RaceSunday, August 23 – 13:0017:00

Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What is the occasion behind the Washington Grand Prix?

The race celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence (Freedom 250).

2. What was Pato O’Ward’s stance on the event’s political context?

O’Ward avoided political debates, focusing instead on motorsport’s unique ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds in a polarized climate.

3. Where is the Washington GP circuit located?

The temporary street circuit is set up around the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.