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McLaren Makes a Bold Bet: IndyCar Boss Gavin Ward Out with Leadership Overhaul

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
McLaren Makes a Bold Bet: IndyCar Boss Gavin Ward Out with Leadership Overhaul

Sep 8, 2023; Salinas, California, USA; Arrow McLaren Racing director Gavin Ward speaks with media to announce the move of driver David Malukas (18) to the team for 2024 before free practice at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In a shocking shakeup, McLaren has parted ways with its IndyCar team boss Gavin Ward, a man whose glittering resume includes working under the legendary Adrian Newey, engineering championship-winning cars at Red Bull, and clinching an IndyCar title with Team Penske at his first attempt. For a team celebrated for its daring moves, this decision is a headline-grabber, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the logic behind cutting loose a proven winner after McLaren’s best season in years.

Why Ward, Why Now?

Ward’s ousting, which McLaren insists was its decision, comes as the team navigates growing pains while trying to establish itself as a regular contender in IndyCar. After transitioning from Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2020, McLaren has made significant investments to climb the ranks, expanding its roster, upgrading facilities, and growing from two to three full-time cars, with four entries at marquee events like the Indy 500.

So why did Ward—credited with creating a healthier workplace culture and leading McLaren to its strongest season since joining IndyCar—find himself out of a job? According to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, the decision was about aligning the team’s leadership with its future ambitions.

“We’ve grown substantially, and moving forward, we felt a change was necessary,” said Brown. “This wasn’t about personality clashes or dissatisfaction with Gavin. It’s about giving others within the team the opportunity to stretch their legs and take us to the next level.”

While Brown showered Ward with praise during the announcement, the team boss was conspicuously absent from the accompanying media call, leaving his perspective on the move a mystery.

A Team in Transition

Brown’s remarks indicate that McLaren is looking to replicate its Formula 1 structure by employing a “senior leadership team” model instead of relying on a single team principal. IndyCar Deputy Team Principal Tony Kanaan, General Manager Brian Barnhart, and others will collectively guide the operation, with Brown stepping in as a tie-breaker for major decisions.

Kanaan, a racing icon in his own right, downplayed any ambitions of permanently taking over as team principal, saying, “I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do.”

McLaren’s leadership restructuring also coincides with a flurry of hiring. Over the last two off-seasons, the team has added more than 60 employees to its ranks—a number rivaling the total staff of some entire IndyCar outfits. These moves signal McLaren’s commitment to growth, but the departure of Ward, who was instrumental in steering the ship during this expansion, raises eyebrows.

Ward’s Legacy and McLaren’s Gamble

Ward’s contributions to McLaren are undeniable. From his days at Red Bull, where he helped design the sport’s first seamless-shift gearbox and collaborated with F1 stars like Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo, to his championship-winning tenure at Penske, Ward has a proven track record of success. His tenure at McLaren saw the team contend strongly at the Indy 500 and achieve its most competitive season since returning to IndyCar.

However, critics argue that McLaren’s decision to part ways with Ward feels counterintuitive. As Brown himself acknowledged, Ward’s engineering prowess and leadership helped elevate the team’s performance during a turbulent year marked by driver turnover and an unprecedented hiring spree. Now, as McLaren prepares to settle into a new headquarters and solidify its place among IndyCar’s elite, it must do so without the man who played a pivotal role in its resurgence.

What’s Next for Ward—and McLaren?

Ward’s departure opens the door to a flurry of speculation about his next move. With his expertise, he’s likely to have offers pouring in from across the IndyCar and Formula 1 paddocks. However, a potential non-compete clause could delay his return to the track, a common stipulation for high-level team members in motorsport.

Meanwhile, McLaren insists the decision to part ways with Ward is part of a broader plan to ensure long-term stability. Brown hinted at upcoming announcements that could further reshape the team’s future, including potential expansions of McLaren’s stake in its IndyCar program.

For now, the move remains a bold gamble for a team striving to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement. Whether McLaren’s bet will pay off or backfire spectacularly will unfold in the seasons to come. As for Gavin Ward, one thing is certain: his story in motorsport is far from over.

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