On Friday McLaren Racing announced the completion of its acquisition of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, marking a significant milestone in the team’s evolution and solidifying its presence in the NTT IndyCar Series.
This move comes as McLaren Racing aims to enhance its operations and expand its footprint in North America, a market deemed crucial for both the organization and its supporters.
The journey to full ownership began back in 2020 when McLaren first partnered with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, which was later rebranded as Arrow McLaren SP.
This initial collaboration allowed the Woking-based outfit to leverage its extensive racing expertise and global brand recognition to elevate the team’s performance.
In 2021, McLaren acquired a 75% stake in the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, while co-founders Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson retained a minority share. The recent acquisition effectively concludes this partnership, with Schmidt and Peterson stepping away from their roles as co-owners.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating that it represents an exciting step forward for the organization.
“This is an exciting step for McLaren Racing as we grow and strengthen our presence in North America, which is a very important market for our team and our fans,” said Brown.
“Schmidt and 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, and that is a championship caliber NTT IndyCar Series team.”
Brown’s commitment to IndyCar has been evident through his active involvement in race events and strategic decisions aimed at enhancing the team’s competitiveness.
The departure of Schmidt and Peterson from Arrow McLaren IndyCar team ownership marks the end of an era for the outfit they founded in 2001.
Schmidt’s journey into motorsport ownership began after a life-altering accident that left him quadriplegic. His determination to return to racing led him to establish Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which eventually evolved into one of IndyCar’s respected teams.
Schmidt expressed his bittersweet feelings about stepping away from ownership but conveyed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his tenure.
“Stepping away from my ownership role with Arrow McLaren IndyCar team is bittersweet,” said Schmidt. “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 I’m stepping back from ownership, my heart will always be with this team, and I’ll be cheering for its continued success every step of the way.”
Peterson echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the team’s evolution since he joined as co-owner in 2013.
“Since I joined Sam as co-owner in 2013, it’s been rewarding to see this team evolve,“ he added. “We welcomed Arrow as title partner in 2019, we joined forces with McLaren in 2021, we became a three-car NTT IndyCar Series team in 2023.
“We celebrated many poles, podiums and wins in Indy Lights and IndyCar throughout those years. This team has a strong foundation for success, and Sam and I are proud of where we leave it.”
The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team enjoyed a successful 2024 season, achieving three victories and showcasing strong performances from its drivers. Pato O’Ward emerged as a standout driver, finishing second in the Indianapolis 500 and securing multiple podiums throughout the season.
The team’s success has generated considerable excitement among fans and stakeholders alike, further solidifying its reputation as a formidable contender in IndyCar racing.
As McLaren Racing transitions into full ownership, it is poised to implement strategic changes aimed at maximizing performance on the track. The team will field a three-driver lineup for the upcoming 2025 season, featuring O’Ward alongside newcomers Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard.
READ ALSO: McLaren confirms Christian Lundgaard will replace Rossi for 2025 IndyCar
The fresh lineup reflects McLaren’s commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining a competitive edge within the series.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team is determined to build on its recent successes while challenging established teams like Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske for dominance in the American open-wheel series.
The commitment to developing a championship-caliber team remains at the forefront of their objectives, with an emphasis on innovation and collaboration within their racing programs.
As part of this renewed focus on IndyCar, former racer Tony Kanaan has been appointed as team principal. Kanaan brings invaluable experience and insights from his illustrious career in motorsport, further bolstering Arrow McLaren’s leadership as they prepare for an exciting season ahead.
The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season is set to commence on March 3 with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team will aim to make an immediate impact.
