A Season of Change: Gavin Ward Departs Arrow McLaren
In a notable shift within the IndyCar paddock, Gavin Ward has decided to part ways with Arrow McLaren, marking the end of a significant chapter for both Ward and the racing team. After two transformative seasons, Ward’s departure was made through a mutual decision with Arrow McLaren’s executive leadership, a move that paves the way for both his potential new ventures and the team’s continued evolution.
A Transformational Tenure
Ward's journey with Arrow McLaren began in 2022, bringing with him a rich history of motorsport innovation and success. His engineering prowess, honed through years at Red Bull Racing, was instrumental in Arrow McLaren's record-breaking achievements in the 2024 IndyCar season. Under his guidance, the team experienced its most victorious season in history, setting a new benchmark for future performances.
"We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation," stated Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren. This acknowledgment underscores Ward's influence in steering the team forward, helping embed a competitive spirit that has become indispensable in IndyCar's fiercely contested environment.
Background and Achievements
Ward's path to Arrow McLaren was paved with remarkable accomplishments. An alumnus of Oxford Brookes University in England, where he studied automotive engineering, Ward initially cut his teeth in motorsports with a local Formula Ford team. He then spent nine years at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, contributing to four world championship titles and more than 50 victories, a period highlighted by his crucial role in the team’s 1-2 finish at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In 2018, Ward transitioned to the IndyCar scene, initially joining Team Penske before eventually moving to Arrow McLaren. His journey was not without its hurdles, as he had to sit out nearly a year before officially joining his new team, yet he emerged as a cornerstone of their ascension in the sport.
A Near-Miss at Indianapolis
Despite the victories, one elusive achievement during Ward's tenure was a win at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Arrow McLaren came close but could not quite capture the victory in one of motorsport's most coveted races. Nevertheless, the team's performance under Ward demonstrated their growing competitiveness, suggesting that a breakthrough at Indianapolis might just be on the horizon for the team.
Plans for the Future
As Ward leaves Arrow McLaren, he reflects on his personal and professional journey over the past two years. "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," Ward acknowledged. His departure is characterized by a desire to spend more time with his family, while contemplating his next professional move. "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career," he said, leaving the racing world in anticipation of his next chapter.
Arrow McLaren's Continued Momentum
While Ward's departure marks the end of an era, Arrow McLaren is poised to continue its upward trajectory with strategic leadership acquisitions. As a testament to this ambition, the team brought in racing legends Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart to help steer the ship. Zak Brown and the team remain optimistic, eyeing further accomplishments on the horizon.
The driver lineup for the 2025 season exemplifies this forward-thinking approach. With Pato O'Ward, who helped secure a high number of victories last season, leading a roster that includes Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel—who joined midway through the previous season—Arrow McLaren is set on consolidating its position as a formidable challenger in IndyCar.
Ward's contributions have laid the groundwork for future successes at Arrow McLaren. While his departure signals change, it also exemplifies the dynamic nature of motorsport, where evolution is constant and the pursuit of victory never ceases.