Gavin Ward Departs Arrow McLaren, Leaves a Legacy of Success
In a major development for the IndyCar world, Gavin Ward has announced his departure from Arrow McLaren, a team he has significantly impacted over the past two seasons. Ward and Arrow McLaren have mutually agreed to part ways, marking the end of a chapter that saw the team experiencing unprecedented success.
Ward joined Arrow McLaren in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that would catalyze a transformation within the team. "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, acknowledging Ward's contributions to the team's rapid evolution.
Under Ward's leadership, Arrow McLaren enjoyed a record-setting 2024 season, claiming the most race wins in its history. Although the team narrowly missed a victory at the prestigious Indianapolis 500 during his tenure, the progress made was undeniable. Arrow McLaren's 2023 season saw a commendable performance from driver Pato O'Ward, who won a season-high three races, further showcasing the upward trajectory spurred by Ward's strategic vision.
Ward's journey in motorsport began at a local Formula Ford racing team, setting the foundation for a career that would see him ascend to prominent roles within top-tier racing organizations. His academic background in automotive engineering was honed at Oxford Brookes University in England, and this technical expertise served him well throughout his career.
Prior to joining the IndyCar Series, Ward made significant waves at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1. Over nine years, he contributed to four championship titles and more than 50 victories, cementing his reputation as a household name in the motorsport engineering community. A notable highlight includes celebrating a winning constructor’s trophy at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as part of Red Bull Racing's 1-2 finish.
In 2018, Ward transitioned to the IndyCar Series, initially with Team Penske. His move to Arrow McLaren was marked by a challenging interlude—he had to sit out for nearly a year before he could join the team. Once at Arrow McLaren, his influence was immediate, focusing on cultivating a "people-first culture" set to disrupt the 20-year reign of IndyCar's championship teams. "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.
With Ward's departure, Arrow McLaren plans to maintain its competitive edge by bringing in new leadership, including Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart, to continue the momentum Ward helped build. The driver lineup for the 2025 season—Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel—reflects the team's commitment to evolving and advancing on the circuit. Siegel's late entry into the previous season injected fresh talent into the roster, setting a promising stage for the future.
Gavin Ward now looks forward to a personal chapter, taking time to focus on family. "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career," he stated, indicating a pause before his next professional endeavor.
As Ward steps away from Arrow McLaren, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and success that will influence the team's future. The IndyCar world watches with anticipation to see where his career path will lead next, knowing that wherever he ends up, excellence is sure to follow.