McLaren announce IndyCar icon as new team principal

McLaren has announced Tony Kanaan as the new team principal of its IndyCar outfit, with Kevin Thimjon becoming its president. 

The IndyCar legend had been the team's deputy boss since the end of the 2024 season but will now be its full team principal. 

Since competing in his final Indy 500 for McLaren in 2023, the 50-year-old has taken on various roles within the team. 

In 2023, he became its special advisor before becoming deputy team boss. Now, he will lead the team in the upcoming campaign. 

"A lot has happened since my last Indy 500 less than two years ago, to say the least," Kanaan said.

"I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow with the team and I’m excited to officially step into the Team Principal role, and having Kevin join to take on the business side of our team is part of our winning strategy. 

"We’re always looking for good people and talent to make the team stronger, and he and I will work well together."

As mentioned, Thimjon is also becoming McLaren's IndyCar president, having previously worked for Core BTS, Lids Sports Group, and Just Marketing International (JMI) in various leadership roles. 

Thimjon will look after the team's business operations, but has also joined McLaren's executive team under CEO Zak Brown. 

"I’m excited to welcome Kevin to Arrow McLaren and our leadership group," said Brown. "Kevin and I have stayed close since our days together at JMI, and he’s the right fit to set the team up for long-term success. 

"A few months ago, I said if we can find extra horsepower to add to the team, we’ll add it, and Kevin is the perfect example of that. 

"Under Tony’s leadership, the team has been moving forward quickly, and he and Kevin will work well together to keep that positive momentum up. Our sights are set on how we stabilise and grow strategically while competing at the top."