DETROIT — Andretti Autosport has confirmed that long-time driver Alexander Rossi will not return to the team in 2023, instead choosing to go with up-and-coming driver Kyle Kirkwood to pilot the #27-car next season.
It has not been a secret that Rossi’s time at Andretti Autosport was coming to an end. Rossi has not scored an IndyCar win since Road America in the 2019 season.
Kirkwood, who has been on loan to AJ Foyt Racing from Andretti this season, will be back under the Andretti umbrella in 2023 to take Rossi’s seat.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Andretti Autosport next year and represent AutoNation and Honda,” said Kirkwood. “Andretti Autosport is a place I’ve called home for years past and I have truly felt like family. 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.”
Kirkwood raced for Andretti Autosport in the Indy Lights Series before making the jump to the NTT IndyCar Series with AJ Foyt Racing.
“The group on the No. 14 car has been incredible and I am beyond grateful to them for all the amazing experiences we have been able to share together so far this season,” Kirkwood added.
Kirkwood won 10 races in his lone season in Indy Lights for Andretti Autosport.
As for Rossi, Arrow McLaren SP has confirmed that he will be joining their team full-time for 2023 “and beyond.”
AMSP recently confirmed it is adding a third full-time car to its IndyCar operation for the 2023 season, as part of a new investment in a state-of-the-art facility to be built in Whitestown.
