McLaren CEO Zak Brown Delivers Key Statement Following Full Acquisition of IndyCar Team
In a pivotal move to expand McLaren Racing’s footprint in North America, CEO Zak Brown has announced the full acquisition of Arrow McLaren, cementing the team’s commitment to the NTT IndyCar Series. This announcement comes after McLaren Racing acquired the remaining ownership shares from former co-owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson, making the team a fully McL
The origins of Arrow McLaren trace back to 2001 when Sam Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver, founded the team under the name “Sam Schmidt Motorsports.” Over the years, the team evolved significantly, with Ric Peterson joining as co-owner in 2013, prompting a rebranding to Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. In 2020, McLaren Racing entered the fray by acquiring a 75% stake in the outfit, leading to its current identity as Arrow McLaren SP. Now, with the latest acquisition, McLaren is poised to build upon the legacy established by Schmidt and Peterson.
Zak Brown emphasized the importance of this acquisition as a strategic step in strengthening McLaren Racing’s presence in North America, a crucial market for the team’s fan base and commercial interests. In a statement reflecting his enthusiasm for the future, Brown said,
“This is an exciting step for McLaren Racing as we grow and strengthen our presence in North America, which is a very important market for our team and our fans. Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson have been great partners and co-owners, and I want to thank them as we continue to build what they started many years ago, and that is a championship-caliber NTT IndyCar Series team.”
McLaren’s move aligns with the increasing popularity of motorsport in the United States, as evidenced by Formula 1’s exponential growth in the region. With multiple US-based Grands Prix, including those in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, McLaren’s expanded presence in IndyCar reflects the team’s broader ambitions in this burgeoning motorsport market.
The acquisition follows McLaren’s monumental success in Formula 1 during the 2024 season, where the team claimed its first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivered stellar performances throughout the season, solidifying McLaren’s reputation as a formidable force in the paddock. Norris, in particular, enjoyed a breakthrough year, securing his maiden Grand Prix victory at the Miami Grand Prix—a testament to McLaren’s growing influence in North America.
The synergy between McLaren’s F1 and IndyCar programs has also grown over the years, with notable crossovers such as IndyCar star Pato O’Ward’s participation in an F1 practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix in 2024. O’Ward, who continues to be Arrow McLaren’s star driver, is expected to play a vital role in the team’s quest for championship success in the IndyCar Series.
As McLaren Racing looks ahead to the 2025 season, Zak Brown’s ambitions extend far beyond the Formula 1 grid. With the IndyCar program now fully under McLaren’s control, the CEO envisions a future where the team not only competes but thrives across multiple disciplines of motorsport.
The acquisition also signals McLaren’s commitment to delivering results in the NTT IndyCar Series, where competition remains fierce. With a strengthened management structure and a renewed focus on building a championship-winning team, Arrow McLaren is well-positioned to challenge for titles in the coming years.
McLaren’s investment in both Formula 1 and IndyCar reflects a unique approach to bridging two of motorsport’s most iconic series. By leveraging its resources and expertise across both platforms, McLaren aims to cultivate a legacy that resonates with fans worldwide. The acquisition of Arrow McLaren marks a bold step forward, ensuring that the team remains at the forefront of innovation and competition in motorsport.
As 2025 approaches, fans and stakeholders alike will watch closely to see how McLaren Racing capitalizes on this momentous development. With Zak Brown at the helm, McLaren’s journey into a new era of motorsport dominance seems all but assured.
