Gavin Ward Departs Arrow McLaren After Transformative Tenure
Gavin Ward, a cornerstone in Arrow McLaren’s recent success, has announced his departure from the IndyCar team after a pivotal two-year stint. The decision for Ward to leave the team was described as a mutual agreement between himself and Arrow McLaren's executive leadership. This change comes after a successful, albeit challenging, period for the team under Ward’s leadership.
Arriving at Arrow McLaren in 2022, Ward was instrumental in overseeing the team’s development, culminating in a record-setting 2024 season. Despite narrowly missing a victory at the prestigious Indianapolis 500, Arrow McLaren achieved the most race wins in its history last year—a testament to Ward's impactful leadership and strategic acumen. "We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation," remarked Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, recognizing Ward's contributions.
Ward brought a wealth of experience to Arrow McLaren, having honed his skills during a nine-year tenure at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1. At Red Bull, he was part of an engineering powerhouse, contributing to four championship titles and over 50 victories, including celebrating a winning constructor’s trophy at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as part of Red Bull’s dominant 1-2 finish. A graduate of Oxford Brookes University in automotive engineering, Ward began his career with a local Formula Ford racing team, showcasing a long-standing commitment to motorsport.
In 2018, Ward transitioned to the IndyCar Series with Team Penske, where he faced the challenge of sitting out nearly a year before becoming part of the Arrow McLaren lineup. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his vision, as demonstrated when he joined the team. "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 reflected on his time with the team.
The near future promises significant changes for Arrow McLaren as it aims to maintain its competitive edge. The team has bolstered its leadership with key acquisitions, including Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart, offering hope for continuity and future triumphs. As part of its evolving strategy, the team will feature drivers Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel for the 2025 season. Siegel joined midway through the previous season, adding fresh dynamics to the driver lineup.
Ward now turns his attention to personal pursuits. He has expressed his intention to spend some quality time with his family, stating, "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career." His departure leaves a void, yet it also marks the conclusion of a dynamic chapter, and the beginning of new opportunities both for himself and for Arrow McLaren.
There is no doubt that Ward’s departure will be felt keenly within the IndyCar sphere. However, his legacy is certain to endure, bolstered by a profound commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and performance. As Arrow McLaren gears up for another competitive season, the groundwork laid by Ward will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation.