O'Ward thanks Red Bull for 'amazing opportunity' after split

Pato O'Ward has thanked Red Bull for an "amazing opportunity" through the 2019 season after being dropped from its junior programme ahead of the final round of the Super Formula season.

O'Ward, 20, joined Red Bull's junior ranks back in May after impressing through the opening stages of the IndyCar season, leading to him making a one-off appearance in Formula 2 at the Red Bull Ring the following month.

The Mexican was then moved into Super Formula, replacing Dan Ticktum after his exit from Red Bull's programme, with the 2018 Indy Lights champion finishing sixth at Okayama after P14 finishes in each of his first two races.

Red Bull confirmed earlier this week that Formula 3 driver Juri Vips would be replacing O'Ward for the final round of the Super Formula season at Suzuka later this month, marking O'Ward's exit.

"I want to take this moment to thank Red Bull, Dr. [Helmut] Marko and Team Mugen for the amazing opportunity to race in Japan this year," O'Ward wrote in a message on Twitter.

"I've got nothing but great things to say about my experience and working with this great group of people. I wish Juri Vips and the team the best of luck closing out this 2019 Super Formula season.

"Soon there will be news about my racing future. I know good things are coming and can't wait to share them with you all."

As per a report from RACER, O'Ward is now a candidate for the vacant seat with McLaren's IndyCar project that will debut in 2020, having made seven starts for Carlin in the series earlier this year.