Arrow McLaren Bids Farewell to Gavin Ward
In a significant shift for Arrow McLaren, Gavin Ward has announced his departure from the IndyCar team, concluding a successful but brief tenure. During his two seasons with the team, Ward played a pivotal role in transforming Arrow McLaren's competitive edge, turning them into formidable contenders in the series.
Ward joined the team in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his nine-year stint with Red Bull Racing in Formula 1. There, he was a key player in securing four championship titles and more than 50 race victories, including the notable 1-2 finish at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His expertise and leadership at Arrow McLaren ushered in a record-setting 2024 season, marked by the most race wins in the team’s history.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, expressed his gratitude for Ward's contributions: "We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation." Under Ward’s guidance, Arrow McLaren almost clinched a victory at the Indianapolis 500, coming agonizingly close to one of the most coveted prizes in motorsport.
As Ward reflects on his achievements, he 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." This sentiment highlights his commitment to fostering a collaborative and progressive environment within the organization.
Ward’s journey in the realm of motorsport began with a local Formula Ford racing team, and was further honed through his academic pursuit of automotive engineering at Oxford Brookes University in England. His transition from Formula 1 to the IndyCar Series occurred in 2018 when he joined Team Penske. However, before he could make his mark at Arrow McLaren, Ward faced a year-long hiatus due to contractual obligations.
At Arrow McLaren, Ward’s strategic insights and technical acumen helped the team secure a season-high three race wins, largely thanks to the exceptional performances of driver Pato O'Ward. The team is now poised to continue its trajectory of improvement with fresh leadership, welcoming industry veterans Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart into their ranks.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Arrow McLaren's lineup features the consistent talent of Pato O'Ward, alongside Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel, the latter having joined mid-season the previous year. Their presence underscores the team's investment in a blend of experience and budding potential, a strategy that Ward had been instrumental in cultivating.
As the dust settles on his tenure, Ward plans to take a sabbatical to spend time with his family while contemplating his next career move. "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career," Ward shared, signaling a period of reflection and potential recharging before his next professional chapter.
While this departure marks the end of a transformative era under his stewardship, Arrow McLaren remains well-positioned to pursue further successes, buoyed by the foundations laid by Ward. The motorsport community keenly awaits Ward’s next steps, expecting that his future endeavors will be met with the same dedication and passion that have characterized his career thus far.