BREAKING: McLaren Announces EXIT of Team Principal With OFFICIAL Statement...Read More

McLaren Announces Departure of Gavin Ward as Team Principal of Arrow McLaren IndyCar

McLaren Racing has officially confirmed the departure of Gavin Ward, who served as team principal for Arrow McLaren’s IndyCar operations. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the team, as they prepare for the 2025 season with ambitious plans for growth.

Ward joined Arrow McLaren in 2022, playing a crucial role in elevating the team’s performance and fostering a competitive culture. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant milestones, including three race wins and a fifth-place finish in the 2024 IndyCar championship standings.

In a statement published on McLaren’s website, Ward reflected on his tenure with pride. “I leave Arrow McLaren after two years of developing a people-first culture aimed at challenging the 20-year dominance of IndyCar’s championship teams,” he said.

Ward highlighted the team’s record-breaking achievements during the 2024 season, including their strong showing at the Indianapolis 500, and expressed optimism about Arrow McLaren’s future. “The team is well-positioned for continued success with a stable driver lineup and key off-season recruitments. Arrow McLaren is set to achieve even greater heights,” he added.

The outgoing team principal also shared his personal plans, stating his intention to take some time off to spend with his family before deciding on his next career step. “I plan to enjoy some time at home with my wonderful wife and two daughters while I consider my future,” Ward said.

Ward’s departure comes at a transformative time for McLaren Racing. While the focus of this announcement is on the IndyCar team, McLaren is also making waves in Formula 1. The organization is on the brink of securing its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, thanks to the stellar performances of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With only three races left in the 2024 F1 season, McLaren leads the standings, having dethroned reigning champions Red Bull.

This resurgence in Formula 1 has demonstrated McLaren’s ability to excel across multiple motorsport disciplines, and the team is committed to building on that momentum. Arrow McLaren’s IndyCar program is seen as a vital component of the brand’s global motorsport strategy.

In the wake of Ward’s exit, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed gratitude for his contributions to Arrow McLaren’s transformation. “We’ve made significant progress since Gavin joined the team in 2022, and he played a big role in that development,” Brown said.

Brown emphasized that McLaren’s IndyCar team is well-prepared to continue its upward trajectory. Recent organizational changes, combined with a strong driver lineup and off-season growth, have positioned Arrow McLaren to fight for race wins and championships in 2025.

“We’re excited about what lies ahead,” Brown added. “The team has grown considerably during the off-season, and we’re fully focused on competing at the highest level next year.”

Ward’s departure closes an important chapter in Arrow McLaren’s journey, but the team remains optimistic about the future. With a solid foundation in place, McLaren Racing aims to continue building its presence in IndyCar while maintaining its dominance in Formula 1.

Both parties have expressed mutual respect and optimism as they part ways. For Ward, the next chapter of his career awaits, while Arrow McLaren looks ahead to a promising 2025 season, determined to achieve its long-term goals in motorsport.