Alexander Rossi will leave Andretti at the end of the 2022 season, the team has confirmed, concluding his seven-year association with the IndyCar squad.
Kyle Kirkwood has been confirmed as Rossi’s replacement in the number 27 car for the 2023 season.Rossi joined Andretti since 2016 when he moved to IndyCar following a brief, five-race stint in Formula 1 with Marussia. He won the Indianapolis 500 on his debut that year and scored a best finish of third in the championship in 2019.
“Alexander has been a great contender for us and we’ve enjoyed having him as part of the team for seven seasons” said team CEO and chairman Michael Andretti. “He’s won races and become a leader in the team, but all careers and all teams evolve, and we’ve mutually decided it’s time for each of us to move on.
“I have no doubt he’ll have a continued, successful IndyCar career and we wish him the best. In the meantime, we are all working hard to finish the 2022 season strong.”
Rossi has been linked with a move to the McLaren SP team, which his departure from Andretti frees him up for.
His replacement Kirkwood currently drivers for Foyt and won the Indy Lights championship for Andretti last year.
“Andretti Autosport is a place I’ve called home for years past and I have truly felt like family,” said Kirkwood. “I have a ton of loyalty to the team, and it means a lot to have Michael and the Andretti team offer me this opportunity”
“We really enjoyed having Kyle as part of our Indy Lights team and he’s off to a strong start in IndyCar,” said Andretti. “I think he’ll bring a fresh perspective and will be competitive. We are looking forward to helping him continue his career growth.
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Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
1st June 2022, 15:51
Anyone remember when young Mr Rossi was supposed to be America’s great hope in Formula 1?
Jere (@jerejj)
1st June 2022, 15:55
@proesterchen Yes, but that feels like forever ago.
grat
2nd June 2022, 14:55
He had a few flashes of brilliance, but let’s face it– he was never going to set the track ablaze at Caterham let alone Manor/Marussia.
And to be honest, his career at Indy has been erratic and inconsistent– He won his first Indy 500, he owned Long Beach two years running (and came 2nd overall the first year)… and since then, he just doesn’t seem to be able to put it together on Race Day, and has been winless for the last 3 seasons.
It’s odd.
Mark (@blueruck)
1st June 2022, 16:18
I’ve followed Rossi in F1 & Indy, I was hopeful. He seems always be on the outside looking in. I would be surprised by a move to McLaren SP.
Peyton
1st June 2022, 20:57
It’s been reported as a rumour. Suppsosedly McLaren is moving to three cars next year and an experienced driver makes sense.
Why not Rossi, where will he go?
chimaera2003 (@chimaera2003)
1st June 2022, 22:09
Looks like he needs a change of scenery to help get his mojo back. He had some great drives in 2019, Road America was a great example of what he could do.
Not sure any team leader gigs are on offer but I reckon he could do a really solid job for McLaren SP if they are in the market for a 3rd driver.