Ward's Departure Marks New Chapter for Arrow McLaren
In an unexpected twist for the motorsport world, Gavin Ward has announced his departure from Arrow McLaren after two transformative seasons. This mutual decision underscores both the personal and professional shifts in the dynamic landscape of IndyCar racing.
A Transformative Tenure
Ward, who joined Arrow McLaren in 2022, played a pivotal role in the team’s evolution. His tenure saw Arrow McLaren achieve a record-setting 2024 season characterized by its most number of race wins in history. Under Ward’s leadership, the team narrowly missed a victory at the coveted Indianapolis 500, marking a period of significant competitive success.
“We’ve grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation," said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren. The sentiment echoes throughout Arrow McLaren, reflecting the profound impact Ward had on the team's growth and performance.
A Storied Career
Before his chapter with Arrow McLaren, Ward built a distinguished career across multiple disciplines. A graduate in automotive engineering from Oxford Brookes University in England, he began in grassroots motorsport with a local Formula Ford team. His burgeoning talent soon propelled him to Formula 1, where he spent nine years with Red Bull Racing, contributing to four championship titles and over 50 race victories.
One of Ward’s memorable achievements was at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he celebrated a constructors' championship trophy after Red Bull Racing’s impressive 1-2 finish.
The IndyCar Journey
Ward's move to the IndyCar Series came in 2018 with Team Penske. His transition to Arrow McLaren was delayed by nearly a year due to contractual obligations, yet it was worth the wait for both Ward and the team. Last year, Arrow McLaren clinched three race wins, led by the performances of star driver Pato O'Ward.
Despite his successes, Ward seeks a new direction. “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 commented. The sentiment captures both the challenges and achievements of his time with Arrow McLaren.
Future Aspirations
While Gavin Ward's next professional move remains undisclosed, he prioritizes personal time in the immediate future. “I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career,” Ward said, highlighting a brief but meaningful pause as he contemplates his next career steps.
Arrow McLaren’s Forward Path
As Arrow McLaren looks to the future, fresh leadership is on the horizon. The organization is set to welcome new talents, including Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart, who are expected to steer the team toward continued progress. With drivers Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel lined up for the 2025 season, the team is poised for another strong chapter. Siegel, a recent addition, joins the lineup as Arrow McLaren continues to bolster its roster.
Amid this change, the racing community will watch closely as Arrow McLaren seeks to build on its past achievements while Gavin Ward embarks on a new journey. Though Ward's departure marks an end of an era, it opens new possibilities for both him and the team he helped transform.