Gavin Ward Parts Ways with Arrow McLaren After Transformative Tenure
In a surprising turn of events, Gavin Ward is set to depart from Arrow McLaren Racing following a successful two-year run with the IndyCar team. The move comes as part of a mutual agreement between Ward and the executive leadership at Arrow McLaren.
A Journey with Impact
Joining Arrow McLaren in 2022, Ward quickly made his mark. Under his guidance, the team celebrated a record-setting 2024 season, achieving the most race wins in its history. Despite narrowly missing a victory at the Indianapolis 500 during his tenure, Ward's influence was tangible. "We've grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation," reflected Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren.
An alumnus of Oxford Brookes University in England where he studied automotive engineering, Ward's career leap began with a local Formula Ford racing team. His journey in motorsports further flourished with Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, where he spent nine years contributing to four championship titles and over 50 victories. Notably, he celebrated a winning constructor’s trophy at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as part of Red Bull Racing’s 1-2 finish.
IndyCar Success and Challenges
Ward transitioned into IndyCar in 2018 with Team Penske before joining Arrow McLaren, though he faced nearly a year-long hiatus before taking on his new role. His impact at Arrow McLaren was immediate. Last year, the team secured a season-high three races, fueled by the stellar performances of driver Pato O'Ward.
As for Ward's future plans, he noted a desire for reflection and time with family. "I plan to spend time with my wife and two daughters while I evaluate what's next in my career," he stated. Ward leaves behind a team marked by a burgeoning people-first culture—one aiming to challenge the 20-year dominance 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 added.
The Road Ahead for Arrow McLaren
As Ward steps back, Arrow McLaren is looking toward continued growth with strategic leadership acquisitions, including racing icons Tony Kanaan and Brian Barnhart. With Zak Brown at the executive helm, the team is poised to build on the foundation Ward helped lay. Looking forward to the 2025 season, Arrow McLaren's driver lineup will include Pato O'Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel—the latter having joined the team midway through the previous season.
As one chapter closes for Gavin Ward, both his journey and the legacy he leaves at Arrow McLaren are testament to his substantial contributions to motorsport—a remarkable feat for an engineer who began his career with a local racing team and ascended to influence a major IndyCar contender.