Arrow McLaren Bids Farewell to Team Member Gavin Ward
In a significant move within the world of motorsports, Gavin Ward has announced his decision to part ways with Arrow McLaren, concluding a notable two-year stint as a central figure in the IndyCar team’s recent successes. This departure results from a mutual agreement between Ward and the executive leadership at Arrow McLaren, marking the end of a transformative chapter for both the team and Ward himself.
Ward's journey with Arrow McLaren began in 2022 and saw the IndyCar team achieve unprecedented success. Under his guidance, the team recorded its most successful season in 2024 with the highest number of race wins in its history. Yet, despite coming tantalizingly close to clinching a victory at the prestigious Indianapolis 500, the elusive triumph provided a bittersweet undercurrent during Ward's tenure.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, lauded Ward’s contributions, 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." This testament from the leadership underscores Ward's impact on the team, highlighting a legacy built on innovation and team development.
Before making his mark in IndyCar, Ward's career was already impressive. A graduate in automotive engineering from Oxford Brookes University in England, he began his professional journey with a local Formula Ford racing team. It wasn’t long before his talents propelled him into the high-octane realm of Formula 1, where he spent nine years with Red Bull Racing. During his time there, he contributed to four championship titles and over 50 race victories, notably celebrating the winning constructor’s trophy at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, part of Red Bull Racing’s 1-2 finish.
In 2018, Ward transitioned to the IndyCar Series with Team Penske. However, his journey to Arrow McLaren required patience, as he had to sit out for nearly a year before joining. This interlude proved worthwhile as Ward quickly established himself as an instrumental leader within Arrow McLaren.
Reflecting on his IndyCar tenure, Ward remarked, "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’s leadership style, focused on nurturing a "people-first" environment, was integral in propelling Arrow McLaren forward and helping achieve a season-high three races won by driver Pato O'Ward. Such progress hints at a promising future for the team, now set to evolve further under new leadership acquisitions, including renowned figures like Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart.
As for Arrow McLaren, the team is already looking towards maintaining and building upon the foundation set by Ward. With drivers such as Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel—who joined midway through the previous season—gearing up for the 2025 season, the team aims to continue its ascent in the high-stakes world of motorsports. Meanwhile, Gavin Ward plans to shift gears, focusing on his family and taking time to evaluate his next professional steps.
As Ward steps back from the cockpit of Arrow McLaren, both parties prepare to embark on new chapters—fueled by the determination and passion that have been the hallmark of their shared journey thus far.