For 12 years, Ward worked in Formula 1 for Red Bull. With McLaren’s desire to transfer technology from the Formula 1 team to the Indy car operation, he has the unique ability to facilitate that pipeline of information.
“Indy car racing is different from Formula 1,” Brown told SPEED SPORT. “I think we always have to be careful to think that bringing Formula 1 is some sort of magic to Indy car racing.
“Indy car racing is as competitive as any form of racing I’ve ever seen.
“That being said, we do have aspects of our Formula 1 technology and know-how that we will ultimately, long term be beneficial to our IndyCar teams,” Brown continued. “To have someone like Gavin who understands the capabilities of a Formula 1 team and an Indy car team is what you need to understand where there are areas that you can extract knowledge and know-how to the benefit of the Indy car team?”
This year’s Arrow McLaren driver lineup also features a former Formula 1 driver with Rossi, who drove for Manor Racing.
“I think when we looked at Alex as a driver, it is great that he has Formula 1 experience,” Brown continued. “I’ve been following Alex prior to being in Formula 1. Alex and I first met in England.
“When we looked at Alex, alongside Felix and Pato, we thought it was the perfect complement of speed, experience and kind of global knowledge of motorsports. We think Alex will bring a lot to the table for what is still a pretty young team.”
O’Ward has ambitions of one day competing in Formula 1 and has participated in practice at Abu Dhabi. Chip Ganassi Racing driver and 2021 NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou also has a contract to join McLaren in 2024, but it remains to be determined where that will be.
In addition, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and American racing star Kyle Larson will join the team for the 108th Indianapolis 500 in 2024.
There are big things ahead for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar and it’s just getting started.
“It’s up to us to raise our game on and off the track to represent the brand,” Rossi told SPEED SPORT. “There’s a huge privilege that comes with that, but also responsibility.
“It’s early days for me, but I’m very excited to be able to call McLaren home and look forward to pretty cool things we’re going to be able to accomplish together.”
This story appeared in the March 29, 2023 edition of the SPEED SPORT Insider.
