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.

IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward had harsh words to say after his seventh-place finish at the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix downtown. He much prefers Belle Isle.

The streets of downtown Detroit will again have Indy cars zipping around for at least three more years, despite one potential issue.