Detroit features the shortest street courses on the IndyCar calendar. Other drivers have also complained about the narrow track since it returned downtown from nearby Belle Isle in 2023. But O’Ward was particularly candid in his comments, making it clear he preferred racing on the island in the Detroit River.

Detroit Grand Prix Given Scathing Review by IndyCar Driver Pato O'Ward originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Detroit Grand Prix wrapped up on Sunday, June 1 in downtown Detroit, a location the event moved to in 2023 after 12 years on nearby Belle Isle.

That should keep the Grand Prix on the streets of downtown Detroit through 2028 (and possibly through 2031) on the current deal. In 2021, Detroit Grand Prix officials agreed to a contract with the Detroit City Council to hold the Grand Prix in Downtown Detroit for three years starting in 2023.