Arrow McLaren has introduced the departure of Gavin Ward, who served within the position as workforce principal with the IndyCar workforce during the last two seasons.
Whereas the announcement got here on Tuesday morning, the workforce shared that Ward’s standing was efficient on Monday, November 18. Per the discharge, this was a “mutual and strategic resolution because the workforce positions itself for development and efficiency” heading into the 2025 season within the IndyCar Series.
“I go away Arrow McLaren after two years creating a people-first tradition set to topple the 20-year domination of IndyCar’s championship groups,” Ward stated. “We’ve made main strides throughout my tenure. Our 2024 IndyCar season delivered the workforce’s most-ever race wins (three), and we got here inside two turns of victory within the Indianapolis 500. Arrow McLaren is positioned for additional success — with a secure driver lineup, vital low season recruitment and considerate organizational modifications.
“I want my former colleagues properly and hope our work collectively results in extra wins on and off the monitor. I plan to spend a while at house with my great spouse and two daughters whereas I consider what’s subsequent in my profession.”
Ward first joined Arrow McLaren in June 2022 because the Director of Trackside Engineering and was promoted to the overarching position of Race Director — which finally morphed within the title Group Principal — forward of the 2023 season.
Josef Newgarden, Group Penske Chevrolet with engineer Gavin Ward
Picture by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Photographs
The 40-year-old Canadian beforehand served as race engineer for Josef Newgarden the 4 earlier years at Group Penske. The duo collected 13 wins throughout their time collectively, together with hoisting the Astor Problem Cup in 2019. Earlier than being a part of North America’s premier open-wheel championship in 2017, Ward spent 12 years with Purple Bull Racing, working up by means of the ranks with the Components 1 outfit earlier than incomes the position of aerodynamicist for the ultimate three seasons.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown shared his ideas on parting methods with Ward, with no substitute for the position revealed at the moment.
“I need to thank Gavin for the time he gave to our Arrow McLaren workforce the previous two seasons,” Brown stated. “We’ve grown considerably from the place we had been when he joined the workforce in 2022, and he was a giant a part of that transformation. We’ve a powerful workforce in place, having grown this low season, and we’re fired up heading into 2025 to combat for race wins and championships.”
