A completely circumferential shroud is provided around the motor hub flange of a hard disk drive spindle motor. The shroud is continuous, smooth, and uniform, and formed at the same axial height as the flange to reduce air flow disturbances that are generated by the rotating motor hub flange. Unlike prior art designs that provide openings to accommodate the actuator, the present design has no openings or irregular shapes that can cause air flow disturbance. Air flow disturbance, especially when near the actuator arms or head suspensions, can impact track misregistration. In addition, the probability of circulating contamination particles inside the motor out into the disk drive enclosure is also reduced due to less irregular airflow patterns.