McLaren chief issues statement over team SALE

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has released a statement regarding the team’s acquisition of full ownership of their IndyCar operation, Arrow McLaren. This development follows McLaren Racing’s decision to buy out the remaining shares from co-owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson, making McLaren the sole proprietor of the IndyCar outfit.

The team, which originally raced under the name ‘Sam Schmidt Motorsports,’ was founded in 2001 by former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt. Ric Peterson later became co-owner in 2013, leading to the team being rebranded as Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. In 2020, McLaren joined forces with the IndyCar operation, renaming the team Arrow McLaren SP after purchasing a 75% stake the following year. This move marked a significant shift for McLaren, as they looked to expand their influence beyond Formula 1.

McLaren’s involvement in IndyCar grew throughout 2024, with notable moments such as IndyCar star Pato O’Ward participating in a practice session for the F1 team at his home race, showcasing the crossover between McLaren’s F1 and IndyCar operations. The acquisition of full ownership further cements McLaren’s commitment to the IndyCar series.

McLaren’s IndyCar ambitions coincide with their recent resurgence in Formula 1. In 2024, McLaren enjoyed its most successful season since 1998, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the team to victory in the Constructors’ Championship. This success has set the stage for high expectations going into 2025, as the team looks to maintain its momentum across both F1 and IndyCar.

Following the buyout, Zak Brown released a statement highlighting his enthusiasm for McLaren’s future in North America. “This is an exciting step for McLaren Racing as we grow and strengthen our presence in North America, which is a very important market for our team and our fans,” Brown said. He also took the opportunity to thank Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson for their contributions as co-owners and partners, acknowledging the foundation they laid for the team’s success. “Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson have been great partners and co-owners, and I want to thank them as we continue to build on what they started many years ago, and that is a championship-caliber NTT IndyCar Series team.”

Brown’s focus on expanding McLaren’s presence in North America aligns with Formula 1’s own growing popularity in the region. In recent years, the sport has added several U.S.-based grand prix events to the calendar, including the Miami Grand Prix, which debuted in 2022. McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first F1 victory at the Miami race in 2024, further highlighting McLaren’s success on both sides of the Atlantic.

With the full acquisition of Arrow McLaren, McLaren Racing now looks poised to make an even greater impact in the NTT IndyCar Series. Brown’s statement signals McLaren’s long-term vision to continue its growth in North America and build a competitive, championship-winning team in the IndyCar series.

As McLaren Racing strengthens its operations across multiple racing platforms, including Formula 1 and IndyCar, the team’s future looks bright. With the 2025 season fast approaching, Zak Brown and McLaren have set their sights on continued success, both in the U.S. and on the global stage. McLaren’s growing presence in IndyCar, combined with its F1 achievements, highlights the team’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse across motorsports.

By acquiring full control of Arrow McLaren, McLaren Racing is sending a clear message: the team is here to stay and compete at the highest levels of both Formula 1 and IndyCar for years to come.