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Indy 500 Champion Tony Kanaan Takes Helm as McLaren Team Principal: A New Era for IndyCar Racing

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 20, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Indy 500 Champion Tony Kanaan Takes Helm as McLaren Team Principal: A New Era for IndyCar Racing

May 24, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; IndyCar Series former driver Tony Kanaan during Carb Day final practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In a significant development from the world of motorsport, Tony Kanaan, a renowned figure in Indy 500, has been elevated to the position of Team Principal at McLaren. This move comes as part of McLaren’s ongoing organizational overhaul, succeeding a decision made by Zak Brown, the man at the helm of McLaren’s leadership.

Kanaan, an Indy 500 title holder and a veteran of American open-wheel series racing, has been associated with McLaren in an advisory role for more than two years. His promotion to Team Principal follows the exit of Gavin Ward, the previous incumbent, at the end of the 2024 season.

Reflecting on his journey since his last Indy 500 less than two years ago, Kanaan expressed his enthusiasm about his new role. He emphasized his readiness to leverage his extensive experience to lead the team, expressing confidence in the team’s strategic growth plan. Central to this plan is the appointment of Kevin Thimjon as President of McLaren’s IndyCar operation, a move Kanaan believes will strengthen the team’s business side.

Thimjon, who has honed his leadership skills at companies like Core BTS, Lids Sports Group, and Just Marketing International, is anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic to McLaren’s IndyCar operation. He will also serve on the McLaren Racing Executive Team.

Zak Brown, who has been steering the team through a period of transformation, expressed his belief in Kanaan’s ability to lead the team. He commended Kanaan’s contribution to the team during his stint as deputy team principal during Ward’s absence and expressed confidence in the synergy between Kanaan and Thimjon to keep the team’s momentum going.

Kanaan, a giant in American open-wheel racing, has an exceptional career portfolio. The 50-year-old Brazilian clinched the IndyCar championship in 2004 and won the coveted Indianapolis 500 in 2013. He began his professional racing career in 1994 and ascended the American open-wheel racing ranks, culminating in a successful stint in IndyCar until his last full-time season in 2019.

Kanaan joined what was then known as Arrow McLaren in July 2022. The team transitioned to simply “McLaren” when Brown’s McLaren Racing company acquired a full stake in it. Kanaan’s involvement with the team has been multifaceted, including working with sponsors and serving as a driver advisor, alongside managing various motorsport-related issues. His move to the role of deputy team principal came in late 2024 following Gavin Ward’s departure.

With Zak Brown keeping his options open post-Ward’s exit, the decision to elevate Kanaan seems to be a strategic one, designed to capitalize on his vast experience and deep understanding of the sport. As the dust settles on this significant development, the racing world will be keenly watching how Kanaan steers McLaren’s fortunes in his new role as Team Principal.

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