Kyle Kirkwood was Indy Lights champion with Andretti in 2021 and will now return to the team starting next season in the premier class. The signing leaves Alexander Rossi free for a likely move to McLaren
Andretti announced on Wednesday (1) that it will have Kyle Kirkwood at the helm of the #27 Honda from the 2023 Indy season, confirming the departure of Alexander Rossi from the team after seven years. The move was already being speculated after Andretti's current representative said he had already signed a contract to remain in the series next year, but without giving details about his destination.
Kirkwood, who races for Foyt this season, has already defended Andretti in Indy Lights, reaching the category title in 2021. The American said he was very excited to resume the partnership. "Andretti is a place I've called home for the last few years, I really feel like we're a family," said the 23-year-old.
"I'm very loyal to the team, and it means a lot this opportunity given to me by Michael [Andretti, team CEO] and the whole team. I worked very hard this season and I will continue to do so with the A.J. Foyt team, which gave me the chance to compete at Indy," continued the current owner of the #14 car. "I am very grateful to them for the incredible experience we have shared so far," he stressed.
Michael Andretti celebrated the deal and said it will be good to have Kirkwood back after a solid debut in the premier class. "I think he will bring a fresh perspective and be competitive. We look forward to continuing to help grow his career," he said.
The partnership between Andretti and Rossi has yielded seven wins, including the historic 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016. Michael heaped praise on the future former driver, but stressed that the time had come for "everyone to go their own way."
"Alexander has been a great competitor, and we enjoyed having him with us for seven seasons. He has won races and become a leader in the team, but careers and teams evolve, so we decided together that it was time for everyone to go their separate ways. I have no doubt that he will have a successful career in Indy, and we wish him the best. In the meantime, we are working hard to close the 2022 season in a strong way," Andretti concluded.
Although not yet confirmed, everything indicates that Rossi should go to McLaren next year. Michael even denied the negotiation, saying that a clause in his contract would prevent him from talking to other teams while at Andretti. Rossi, however, confirmed in an interview with Motorsport.com that he had already signed a contract for 2023, further fueling the rumors.
Rossi, who contested the title in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, has not won a race in three years. He has lost a lot of ground within the team to Colton Herta and had already been showing dissatisfaction with Andretti for his lack of competitiveness.