A hero’s welcome
After two FP1 appearances at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Pato was unleashed around his home circuit in Mexico City last year. Watched by a jubilant, packed-out home crowd, driving the MCL38 around the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was the realisation of a childhood dream for the Monterrey native.
In the lead-up to last year’s race, Pato attended a meet and greet inside a Mexico City shopping mall that went viral when he was greeted by a frenzy of passionate supporters, who had packed out the mall and were desperate for a glimpse of their hero. He described it as “the loudest screams I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Twelve months on, the 26-year-old is returning for another FP1 outing at this year’s Mexico City Grand Prix and is excited to be back in front of his home crowd.
“It will be great, they go crazy,” he says with a grin from ear to ear. “The fans really make you feel like you’re a superhero. Mexico City has a very special atmosphere.”
No words. 🥹
Mexico, your love is felt all around the world. 🇲🇽🧡 pic.twitter.com/VAnYY3l9VN
— Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team (@ArrowMcLaren) October 24, 2024
Before and after the appearance, he’ll dedicate time to soaking up the atmosphere, but during his FP1 outing, he’ll be helping our F1 team nail down the specifics of our setup ahead of Qualifying and the race.
“I try not to think about [the crowd] much when I am in the car, because the team will be telling me what I need to do and be asking for feedback, so you cannot be looking around too much. But on my in-lap, I will definitely have a look. It is really cool.
“I can remember hearing the roar when Checo [Sergio Perez] drove through the stadium section. I’m not sure if it’s like that for me – but I’ll ask my sister if it was, as she’ll be in the crowd.”
Despite his star status in Mexico, as one of the country’s leading and most recognisable athletes, Pato says he can still get around without being noticed, helped by a cap and some sunglasses.
Although sometimes, it’s even easier than that…
“There have been times where I’ve spotted people wearing my merch and I’ve gone up to them and asked where they got it from, and they’ve not realised it’s me,” he says, laughing. “Maybe they don’t have a face to the name, it’s funny… but, as soon as one person spots you, that’s it, you are done!”