McLaren Announce Departure of Team Principal Gavin Ward in Official Statement

McLaren Racing has confirmed the departure of team principal Gavin Ward in an official statement, marking the end of a transformative two-year tenure. CEO Zak Brown expressed gratitude for Ward’s contributions to the team’s significant growth, particularly in their U.S.-based motorsport operations, Arrow McLaren, which competes in the IndyCar series.

Ward, who joined Arrow McLaren in 2022, played a pivotal role in elevating the team’s performance. Under his leadership, Arrow McLaren achieved three race wins in the 2024 IndyCar season, finishing fifth in the standings. The team also came tantalizingly close to clinching victory at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Brown highlighted these achievements in his farewell message:

“I want to thank Gavin for the time he gave to our Arrow McLaren team the past two seasons. We’ve grown significantly from where we were when he joined the team in 2022, and he was a big part of that transformation. We have a strong team in place, having grown this off-season, and we’re fired up heading into 2025 to fight for race wins and championships.”

Ward’s exit comes at a time of tremendous success for McLaren, whose Formula 1 team, led by young stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, is poised to clinch its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. With three races remaining in the 2024 season, McLaren sits atop the standings, outperforming reigning champions Red Bull. The team’s rise has been one of the standout stories of the season, fueled by stellar performances from its drivers and strategic leadership from McLaren’s management.

Reflecting on his departure, Ward praised the strides Arrow McLaren has made and expressed optimism for the team’s future. He 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. Our 2024 INDYCAR season delivered the team’s most ever race wins, and we came within two turns of victory in the Indianapolis 500.

“Arrow McLaren is positioned for further success—with a stable driver lineup, significant off-season recruitment, and thoughtful organizational changes. I wish my former colleagues well and hope our work together leads to more wins on and off the track.”

Ward also revealed plans to take a break from professional racing to spend time with his family before evaluating his next career move.

This announcement underscores McLaren’s commitment to growth and excellence across all racing platforms. As the Formula 1 team closes in on a historic title and Arrow McLaren looks to build on its recent successes, the departure of a key figure like Ward marks a turning point. The focus now shifts to finding the right leadership to continue the momentum and drive McLaren to greater heights in the years ahead.