In an unexpected turn for the motorsport community, Gavin Ward has announced his departure from Arrow McLaren after two impactful seasons. This move marks the end of a vibrant chapter for Ward, whose leadership has been characterized by remarkable achievements and significant transformations within the IndyCar team.
A Transformational Journey
Ward's stint with Arrow McLaren began in 2022, and under his guidance, the team experienced a period of dynamic growth. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, reflected on Ward’s influence, saying, "We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation." During Ward’s tenure, Arrow McLaren enjoyed a record-setting season in 2024, securing more race wins than in any previous season, and came tantalizingly close to clinching victory at the iconic Indianapolis 500.
A Storied Career
Ward, who studied automotive engineering at Oxford Brookes University in England, began his motorsport career with a local Formula Ford racing team. His promising foundation in racing engineering led him to Red Bull Racing, where he contributed to an impressive array of achievements over nine years, including four championship titles and over 50 victories. He was part of the team that celebrated a winning constructor’s trophy at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a memorable 1-2 finish for Red Bull Racing.
In 2018, Ward made the leap to the IndyCar Series with Team Penske. However, transitioning to Arrow McLaren required patience, as Ward had to sit out for nearly a year before joining the team. His arrival in 2022 marked the beginning of an era focused on breaking through the established hierarchy of IndyCar’s elite teams.
The Road Ahead for Arrow McLaren
With Ward's departure, Arrow McLaren is set to maintain its upward trajectory by bolstering its leadership with seasoned motorsport figures such as Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart. The team already showed strong performance last year with standout driver Pato O'Ward, clinching a season-high three race victories. For the 2025 season, Arrow McLaren will showcase its competitive lineup with drivers Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel, the latter of whom made quite an impression after joining the team midway through the previous season.
Zak Brown remains optimistic about the team’s future, highlighting the ongoing development within the organization as a testament to the groundwork laid by Ward and others.
A Personal Reflection for Ward
In his departure, Ward emphasized the significance of the team culture he helped nurture, stating, "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." He is now looking forward to a much-needed hiatus, expressing his desire to focus on family and personal reflection. "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career," Ward shared, hinting at a period of contemplation before embarking on the next phase of his professional journey.
As the motorsport fraternity reflects on Ward’s accomplished career and the void his departure creates, eyes will undoubtedly be on Arrow McLaren to see how they continue to evolve in the fiercely competitive arena of IndyCar racing. Ward leaves behind not only a legacy of success but also the blueprint for ambitious growth, setting the stage for future triumphs with a new leadership vision.