In a landmark move, McLaren Racing has completed its full acquisition of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, cementing its sole ownership as of December 31, 2024. The historic transition marks the departure of legacy co-owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson, who played pivotal roles in shaping the team into a competitive force within the NTT IndyCar Series.
From Dream to Dominance: The Schmidt Peterson Legacy
Sam Schmidt founded the team in 2001, transforming it from a personal dream into a powerhouse in American open-wheel racing. Joined by Ric Peterson in later years, the duo’s leadership saw the team achieve notable success, including partnerships with top-tier drivers and victories on some of IndyCar’s biggest stages.
Reflecting on his departure, Schmidt expressed bittersweet emotions:
“This team has been my life’s work, growing from a dream into a competitor at the highest level. I’m endlessly grateful to the drivers, team members, partners, and fans who made it all possible, and to McLaren for elevating the team’s potential.”
While Schmidt steps away from an ownership role, his emotional connection to the team remains unshaken.
“My heart will always be with this team, and I’ll be cheering for its continued success every step of the way.”
McLaren’s Growing Footprint in North America
McLaren first joined forces with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2020, rebranding the team as Arrow McLaren SP and leveraging its global motorsport expertise to elevate the team’s profile. The partnership deepened over the years, with McLaren acquiring a 75% stake in 2021 and rebranding to Arrow McLaren in 2023.
The final step came at the turn of the new year, with McLaren securing 100% ownership. This strategic move strengthens McLaren’s presence in North America, a critical market for the global racing brand. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who has been a steadfast supporter of the IndyCar program, spoke about the significance of this milestone:
“This is an exciting step for McLaren Racing as we grow and strengthen our presence in North America. 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: a championship-caliber NTT IndyCar Series team.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Arrow McLaren
Under full McLaren ownership, the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team is poised to remain a major contender in the NTT IndyCar Series. The 2025 season will see the team fielding three drivers: seasoned team veteran Pato O’Ward, rising star Nolan Siegel, and Danish talent Christian Lundgaard. With 17 events on the calendar, the trio will aim to bring McLaren its first IndyCar championship under sole ownership.
Zak Brown’s commitment to IndyCar has been evident, with the CEO frequently prioritizing IndyCar events over Formula 1 appearances. His hands-on approach signals McLaren’s dedication to becoming a dominant force in the series.
An Emotional Goodbye, a Promising Future
The departure of Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson closes a significant chapter in the team’s history, but McLaren’s full acquisition opens the door to new opportunities. With an experienced roster of drivers and the backing of a global motorsport giant, Arrow McLaren is set to continue its climb toward championship glory.
For fans and followers of IndyCar, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling showcase of innovation, competition, and the enduring legacy of a team built on dreams and determination.
