A return to a full-time seat in 2004 saw Sato achieve his crowning glory in Formula 1, securing his solitary podium finish at the famed United States Grand Prix held at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While his F1 career reached its conclusion midway through the 2008 season, Sato’s passion for competition led him to forge a new path in IndyCar, where he debuted in 2010 and has remained ever since.
Although Sato’s championship standings in IndyCar have never ascended higher than seventh, he has etched his name into the annals of the revered Indy 500 as an expert in the discipline. The Japanese maestro first tasted victory in the iconic event in 2017, steering Andretti to their most recent triumph. He then demonstrated his mettle once again in 2020, securing another glorious victory, this time with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
In the preceding year’s edition, Sato concluded the race in the 25th position while driving for Dale Coyne Racing. However, this year presents a fresh opportunity as he embarks on a new chapter, representing the revered Chip Ganassi team at the iconic race. With his wealth of experience and unwavering determination, Sato aims to add another illustrious chapter to his storied Indy 500 legacy.
Number 5. Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren
On the cusp of Formula 1, an aspiring young talent named Pato O’Ward awaits his chance to shine. While he has yet to grace an official F1 race, O’Ward seized a valuable opportunity during the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, completing an FP1 session with McLaren. This remarkable experience has only fueled his desire to secure a permanent seat in the pinnacle of motorsport alongside the esteemed Woking-based team.
The Mexican prodigy stands tall among a group of promising young drivers on the verge of breaking into the fiercely competitive realm of Formula 1. In the early stages of the 2023 season, O’Ward’s performances have been nothing short of impressive, bolstering his bid for a coveted spot on the grid. Though victory has eluded him thus far, the determined driver has secured an impressive trio of second-place finishes in three of the opening five events. In fact, only Alex Palou has accumulated more points than the tenacious O’Ward, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender.
As the young driver’s career unfolds, his record at the iconic Indy 500 paints a picture of constant improvement year after year. Starting with a disappointment in 2019 resulting in a non-qualification, O’Ward swiftly rebounded, achieving a commendable sixth-place finish in 2020, followed by an impressive fourth-place finish in 2021. The pinnacle of his Indy 500 journey arrived in the previous edition, where O’Ward fought tenaciously to secure a closely-contested second-place finish, narrowly missing out on victory.
