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McLaren announce team principal EXIT with official statement after DRAMATIC…read more
McLaren Announces Departure of Team Principal Gavin Ward
McLaren Racing has issued an official statement confirming the departure of Gavin Ward, team principal of Arrow McLaren’s IndyCar operations.
Ward, who joined the team in 2022, has played a key role in its development and performance improvements over the past two years.
The announcement comes during a pivotal moment for McLaren Racing. In Formula 1, the team is leading the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, poised to claim its first title since 1998.
This success has been driven by an impressive season from drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren’s F1 resurgence has seen them surpass reigning champions Red Bull and emerge as favourites for this year’s championship with only three races remaining.
While McLaren’s F1 future looks bright, the organization is also focused on strengthening its presence in other motorsport disciplines, including the U.S.-based IndyCar Series.
Arrow McLaren achieved notable progress in the 2024 season, securing three race wins and finishing fifth in the championship standings.
However, as the team aims for even greater success, leadership changes have been made, with Ward stepping down as part of the restructuring process.
In a statement released on McLaren’s official website, Ward reflected on his tenure and the strides the team has made during his leadership.
“I leave Arrow McLaren after two years developing a people-first culture set to topple the 20-year domination of INDYCAR’s championship teams,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements, Ward pointed to the team’s record-breaking number of race wins in 2024 and their close contention for victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Ward expressed confidence in Arrow McLaren’s future, emphasizing the team’s strong foundation, including a stable driver lineup and substantial off-season recruitment efforts.
“Arrow McLaren is positioned for further success,” he said. Looking ahead, Ward plans to take time off to spend with his family and consider his next career move.
“I plan to spend some time at home with my wonderful wife and two daughters while I evaluate what’s next in my career,” he concluded.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown praised Ward for his contributions to the team’s growth and success during his tenure.
“We’ve grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation,” Brown said.
He noted that McLaren’s IndyCar program is well-prepared to continue its upward trajectory, thanks to the progress made under Ward’s leadership and recent organizational changes.
The team is looking ahead to the 2025 season with optimism, aiming to build on the momentum gained in 2024.
“We have a strong team in place, having grown this off-season, and we’re fired up heading into 2025 to fight for race wins and championships,” Brown added.
Ward’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Arrow McLaren, but the team remains committed to its long-term goals of competing at the highest level across all motorsport platforms.
Both McLaren Racing and Ward expressed mutual respect and optimism for the future as they part ways.
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