Gavin Ward Steps Down from Arrow McLaren After Transformative Tenure
In a move that marks the end of a notable chapter for both himself and Arrow McLaren, Gavin Ward has announced his departure from the IndyCar team. Having joined the squad in 2022, Ward's decision comes as part of what has been described as a mutual agreement with Arrow McLaren's executive leadership. His two-year tenure saw the team reach unprecedented heights within a historically competitive field.
A Transformative Era for Arrow McLaren
Ward's arrival at Arrow McLaren in 2022 marked the beginning of an era that would see the IndyCar team undergo significant changes. "We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation," expressed Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren. Under Ward's leadership, Arrow McLaren delivered a record-setting 2024 season, achieving the most race wins in the team's history, a formidable achievement in the fiercely contested series.
The pinnacle of their successful run came perilously close during the prestigious Indianapolis 500, where the team narrowly missed securing a coveted victory. Despite this setback, Arrow McLaren continued its upward trajectory, marked by strategic leadership acquisitions including the addition of experienced figures like Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart, aimed at bolstering future successes.
A Storied Career
Gavin Ward's career is a testament to his expertise and tenacity in the world of motorsport. A graduate in automotive engineering from Oxford Brookes University in England, Ward began his journey with a local Formula Ford racing team and quickly climbed the ranks. His nine-year tenure at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 was particularly distinguished. His contributions were instrumental in securing four championship titles and over 50 victories for the team, notably celebrating a winning constructor’s trophy at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as part of Red Bull Racing’s 1-2 finish.
Transitioning to the IndyCar Series in 2018 with Team Penske, Ward faced challenges, including nearly a year-long hiatus before joining Arrow McLaren. His resilience and innovation were soon evident as he helped elevate the team's performance. Arrow McLaren's season-high three race wins last year, notably with driver Pato O'Ward, were a testament to his impact.
A People-First Vision
Reflecting on his time with Arrow McLaren, Ward stated, "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." His focus on fostering a "people-first culture" laid the groundwork for the team's continuous improvement and ambition to break the long-held dominance in the IndyCar championship landscape.
Looking Towards the Future
As Gavin Ward steps away from the fast-paced demands of the track, he plans to focus on personal time, sharing that he intends "to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career." His departure signals a new phase of introspection and potential future endeavors yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, Arrow McLaren is poised to carry forward the momentum generated under Ward's leadership. The team's driver lineup for the 2025 season, featuring Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel—who joined midway through the previous season—promises to retain the competitive edge Ward helped cultivate. With key leadership additions and a clear strategy, Arrow McLaren aims to continue its drive towards championship success in the highly competitive IndyCar series.
Ward's influence on Arrow McLaren and the broader motorsport community remains evident as he departs an organization he helped transform, staying true to his legacy of innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.