Is not having a current driver as a F1 reserve driver a significant loss for IndyCar?

As a fan of both sports, it was always fun to see Pato drive during FP1 at F1 events. It was also interesting to hear the F1 commentators discuss Pato's season and IndyCar a bit. I know with Fp1 having the smallest set of eyes balls, but it seemed like a good way to get some crossover from the F1 circuit. Would always see some chatter on F1 subs too about Indy when Pato drove.