IndyCar Driver Pato O’Ward Blasts Detroit Grand Prix Venue

IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward is having a strong 2025 season, currently sitting second in the championship standings behind Álex Palou after finishing seventh at the Detroit Grand Prix on Sunday, June 1. Despite making up some ground on Palou in the points race, O’Ward was far from pleased with his experience at the Detroit event.

O’Ward’s Harsh Critique of the Detroit Circuit

When asked about his performance and the race weekend, O’Ward did not hold back his frustration. He candidly told reporters, “It’s been a very frustrating weekend. You all know I don’t sugarcoat my feelings. I dislike this venue. It’s terrible. The track is awful.”

The Detroit street circuit, which is the shortest among all street courses in the IndyCar calendar, has faced criticism from drivers since the race moved from Belle Isle back to downtown Detroit in 2023. Many drivers have complained about the track’s rough surface and tight, confined layout, but O’Ward has been the most outspoken critic this season.

“I truly miss Belle Isle,” O’Ward added. “You can genuinely appreciate what an IndyCar is capable of there, while here, you’re just fumbling around the entire time.”

Track Safety and Race Incidents

The return of the Detroit Grand Prix to downtown in 2023 and 2024 marked the first time since 1988 that the event was held on city streets. Both years saw crashes on the opening lap, highlighting the unpredictable and challenging nature of the circuit. While the 2025 race avoided a first-turn incident, there was a significant crash at turn 3 on lap 84, which resulted in Louis Foster and Felix Rosenqvist being knocked out of the race.

Event’s Future and Fan Engagement

Despite the criticism, IndyCar has confirmed that the Detroit Grand Prix will remain in downtown Detroit at least through 2028, with an option to extend the event for an additional three years, potentially running through 2031. Kyle Kirkwood took victory in the 2025 race.

O’Ward was also seen engaging with fans during the race weekend, signing a shirt for a young supporter at the GM Center on Friday, May 31, 2024.

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This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press under the headline: “Pato O’Ward on Detroit Grand Prix downtown: ‘I hate this place.’”