Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson have officially ended their tenure with Arrow McLaren following McLaren Racing's complete buyout of the NTT IndyCar Series team. This marks the final step after McLaren's initial 75-percent acquisition in 2021.

The team's journey began in 2001 when Sam Schmidt founded Sam Schmidt Motorsports. In 2013, Ric Peterson joined as co-owner, leading to the formation of Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports. The team underwent several transformations, becoming Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2014 and later Arrow McLaren SP, before finally becoming Arrow McLaren in 2023.

For Schmidt, who started the team after a career-ending crash in IndyCar testing, the departure comes with mixed emotions. "This team has been my life's work," he reflected, expressing gratitude to the team members, drivers, partners, and fans while pledging continued support from the sidelines.

Peterson noted the team's significant achievements since 2013, including Arrow's partnership in 2019, the McLaren alliance in 2021, and expansion to a three-car team in 2023. Under their leadership, the team secured numerous poles, podiums, and victories in both Indy Lights and IndyCar.

Looking ahead, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has appointed Tony Kanaan, an IndyCar champion and Indy 500 winner, as team principal. Brown emphasized this transition's importance in strengthening McLaren's North American presence, acknowledging the foundation built by Schmidt and Peterson in creating a championship-caliber IndyCar team.

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