Andretti Global, formerly known as Andretti Autosport, is one of the most iconic and successful teams in the history of IndyCar racing. Founded by Michael Andretti in 2003 as Andretti Green Racing, the team has since built a legacy of excellence in motorsports. With teams across a variety of series, the Andretti name can be seen in IndyCar, Indy NXT, IMSA, Formula E, Extreme E, Super Copa, and Supercars. Over the past few decades, Andretti Global has built a racing empire known for its competitiveness and dominance in the racing industry. 

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What is the history of Andretti Global?

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Andretti Global was originally founded as Andretti-Green Racing in 2003, after Michael Andretti purchased a stake of the Forsythe/Green racing team. The team was incredibly successful in its first years, with Tony Kanaan and Dan Wheldon securing back-to-back IndyCar Championship wins in 2004 and 2005. This was just the beginning of the Andretti legacy. Michael Andretti, son of Formula 1 World Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, soon transitioned to full ownership of the team. 

After the team rebranded to Andretti Autosport in 2009, the Andretti family quickly became racing royalty. The Andretti team has gone on to win multiple Indianapolis 500s and IndyCar championships. In 2023, the team transitioned to its current name, Andretti Global. In doing so, the team expanded its vision of becoming a global force in motorsports, competing not only in IndyCar but also pursuing opportunities in Formula 1 and other racing series. 

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NOTE: As of October 7, 2024 - Michael Andretti has stepped down as CEO of Andretti Global. Dan Towriss is the new CEO of Andretti Global.

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Andretti's Key Milestones and Achievements

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IndyCar Championships

Andretti Global has been a dominant force in IndyCar, with multiple Indianapolis 500 victories and IndyCar championships under their belt. The team has secured four IndyCar Championships: Tony Kanaan in 2004, Dan Wheldon in 2005, Dario Franchitti in 2007, and Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2012. 

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Indy500 Wins

One of the most notable achievements of the Andretti Global team is their consistent successful performances in the Indianapolis 500. As the greatest spectacle in racing, the drivers and teams who win at this legendary race go down in history. Five times, Andretti Global has crossed the yard of bricks as Indianapolis 500 champions: Dan Wheldon in 2005, Dario Franchitti in 2007, Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2014, Alexander Rossi in 2016, and Takuma Sato in 2017. Each win has cemented the team’s legacy at the Brickyard. 

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IndyNXT Championships

Andretti Global has also had recent success on their Indy NXT team, the feeder series into IndyCar. Drivers Patricio O’Ward, Oliver Askew, and Kyle Kirkwood all brought home Indy NXT (formerly known as INDYCAR Indy Lights) Championship wins for Andretti Autosports. This year, Louis Foster dominated the field, winning the Indy NXT Championship for Andretti Global. 

Notable Andretti Drivers and Their Contributions

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Over the years, Andretti Global has been home to some of the biggest names in racing. The team’s ability to attract and develop some of the best talents in racing has been crucial to their success. Some of the most notable drivers who have raced for Andretti include:

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Dan Wheldon (2003 - 2005)

Dan won the IndyCar Drivers’ Championship for Andretti Green Racing in 2005, the same year that he won the Indianapolis 500. He secured the team many wins, pole positions, and himself a great reputation as a driver. Wheldon tragically passed away after a crash in the 11th lap of the 2011 season closer at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which left him with blunt head traumas. 

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Tony Kanaan (2003 - 2010)

Tony brought Andretti Autosports home their first IndyCar Championship title in 2004. He went on to win 14 races in his eight years with Andretti. 

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Ryan Hunter-Reay (2010-2021)

Ryan joined Andretti for a partial season, but quickly proved his spot with consistent top finishes. Hunter-Reay quickly became a household name, winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500 and bringing home a number of wins for the team. 

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Danica Patrick (2007-2011)

Danica spent her last seasons in IndyCar with Andretti Autosports. She became the first woman to win an IndyCar race in 2008 at the Indy Japan 300. Throughout her time with Andretti, she had strong performances at the Indianapolis 500 and frequently finished a top 10 driver. 

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Alexander Rossi (2016-2022)

Rossi made his IndyCar debut with Andretti in 2016 after switching from Formula One. He had a shocking victory at the Indianapolis 500 that year, one of only three drivers in IndyCar history to win their rookie year.

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Who are the current Andretti Drivers?

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As of the 2024 season, Andretti Global’s IndyCar team is led by founder and CEO Michael Andretti. Though he has recently announced the surrender of his team ownership, Michael is still listed as Chair and CEO on the company’s website, and he has been working alongside Dan Towriss to develop a new team structure.

As of now, the team fields three drivers in the NTT IndyCar Series: Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, and Marcus Ericsson. 

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Colton Herta

Driver of the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda, Colton Herta, is one of the series’ most valuable young talents. He joined the Andretti team in 2020 and has since become an asset to the team’s success. The 2024 season was a career high for Herta, with top five finishes in the first five races. He broke through and took his first win on an oval at the season finale at the Nashville Superspeedway, finishing the season second place in the championship standings. Herta will continue his legacy with Andretti Global, with his contract extended through 2027.

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Kyle Kirkwood

Kyle Kirkwood drives the No. 27 AutoNation Honda and joined the team in 2023. Winner of the 2021 Indy Lights Championship for Andretti Autosport, Kirkwood has continued to show his growing potential in open wheel racing. In only his third IndyCar season - second behind the wheel of the No. 27 - he had one podium, five top five finishes, and one pole. Kirkwood will rejoin the Andretti Global team in the 2025 season. 

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Marcus Ericsson

A new addition to the team in 2024, Marcus Ericsson pilots the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda. Ericsson is the winner of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 and comes from a successful stint with Chip Ganassi Racing. Though he didn’t have a great beginning to his sixth IndyCar season, starting from the back of the field and crashing out in the first lap of the Indianapolis 500, he rounded the season out well with four top five finishes and a 15th place championship standing. Ericsson will also be returning to Andretti Global for the 2025 season.  

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Andretti’s Relationship with Formula One

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In recent years, Andretti Global has set its sights beyond the borders of IndyCar. Michael Andretti has been vocal about his desire to enter Formula One, reflecting the team’s commitment to growing its brand and influence. In 2022, Andretti announced its intent to form a Formula One team, working under the name Andretti Cadillac.

Following the submission of an application to the FIA to enter the team in 2024, Williams Racing Team Principal James Vowles spent time with Andretti, explaining the current state of Formula One and what would be needed from them. Andretti Global’s aspirations to join the Formula One grid were close in sight when in 2023, the FIA accepted Andretti’s bid to join from 2026 onward. Unfortunately, Formula One Management rejected this bid in early 2024, stating that Andretti joining the series has a lack of competitiveness and value. 

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Andretti's Controversies

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Despite the team’s rich legacy in motorsports, Andretti Global has faced its share of controversies. In recent times, Andretti has faced scrutiny for inconsistent team performance, especially given their historical success. While they have standout drivers like Ryan Hunter-Reay and Colton Herta, the team has struggled to maintain a dominant position in the IndyCar Series. 

Most recently, CEO and Chairman Michael Andretti announced the surrender of his ownership stake in Andretti Global. Though still listed as the CEO on the company website, Andretti has stated he wants to “transition to a more strategic role” within the team. Dan Towriss, CEO of Group 1001 and major investor in Andretti Global, has been working with Michael to develop a new structure for the team. This transition is rumored to be correlated with Andretti’s rejection from Formula One, as Towriss has heavily invested in the team’s effort to join the Formula One grid.

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Andretti’s Future 

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The future of Andretti Global looks highly promising, as the legendary team is focused on expanding their footprint and acquiring some of the best talent in the industry. The team continues to fight for their position on the Formula One grid, changing the team management structure and setting up international operations. 

Andretti does not have an open seat for the 2025 season, but following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Andretti Global’s Indy NXT star Jamie Chadwick completed her first IndyCar test with the team. Although she may not be joining the IndyCar grid next year, it is promising that Chadwick has a future on Andretti’s IndyCar roster. 

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