Ward Departs Arrow McLaren After Transformative Tenure
In a significant development for the IndyCar world, Gavin Ward has announced his departure from Arrow McLaren, ending a pivotal two-year stint with the team. The decision comes as a mutual agreement between Ward and the executive leadership, concluding what has been an era of remarkable transformation for Arrow McLaren.
Legacy of Achievements
Ward's influence on the team since joining in 2022 has been substantial. Under his leadership, Arrow McLaren enjoyed a record-setting 2024 season, achieving the highest number of race wins in the team's history. Whilst they narrowly missed clinching the title at the iconic Indianapolis 500, the strides made during Ward's tenure are undeniable. As Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, put it, "We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation."
This mutual parting of ways marks the end of a chapter that has seen Arrow McLaren scale new heights in competitiveness. "I leave Arrow McLaren after two years developing a people-first culture set to topple the 20-year domination of IndyCar's championship teams. We've made major strides during my tenure," reflected Ward on his departure.
Reflecting on Ward's Journey
Ward's career in motorsport has been both illustrious and varied. A graduate in automotive engineering from Oxford Brookes University in England, he started his journey with a Formula Ford racing team, where his passion for racing was kindled. He then spent nearly a decade at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, contributing to four championship titles and over 50 victories. One of his notable accomplishments during this period was celebrating a winning constructor’s trophy in the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as part of Red Bull Racing’s impressive 1-2 finish.
In 2018, Ward transitioned to the IndyCar Series with Team Penske but had to sit out nearly a year before bringing his expertise to Arrow McLaren. During his time with Arrow McLaren, he oversaw a season-high three race wins last year, largely powered by the performance of driver Pato O'Ward.
Future Directions for Arrow McLaren and Ward
Arrow McLaren is poised to continue their trajectory of success, fortified by strategic leadership acquisitions including Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the team is set to field an impressive lineup of drivers: Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel, who joined midway through the previous season.
For Ward, the departure from Arrow McLaren signifies a pause in his high-octane motorsport journey. "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career," he expressed, signaling a temporary retreat from the racetrack to focus on family and future opportunities.
As the team looks toward maintaining momentum in upcoming races, the legacy of Ward's accomplishments and the culture he instilled will undoubtedly influence Arrow McLaren's pursuit of IndyCar supremacy. Meanwhile, the broader motorsport community waits in anticipation to see where Ward’s career will steer next.