As expected, Andretti Autosport has confirmed Kyle Kirkwood to replace Alexander Rossi in the No. 27 Honda after the end of the 2022 season. With Rossi’s departure from Andretti now confirmed, his new team Arrow McLaren SP is likely to announce his arrival in Detroit later this week, which RACER followed in a May 5 Silly Season update.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Andretti Autosport next year and represent AutoNation,” said Kirkwood. “Andretti Autosport is a place I’ve called home for years and I’ve really felt like family. I have a lot of loyalty to the team and it means a lot to me that Michael and the Andretti team are offering me this opportunity. AutoNation is doing a great job raising awareness and funding for cancer research. I’m honored to be driving Pink (DRVPNK) next season.”
“I’ve worked extremely hard this season and will continue to work harder every day for AJ Foyt’s team. I want to thank the entire AJ Foyt Racing team for giving me the opportunity to compete in the NTT IndyCar Series. The group in car #14 was amazing and I am so grateful to them for all the great experiences we have shared together so far this season.”
Team owner Michael Andretti thanked Rossi for his contributions since arriving in 2016.
“Alexander was a great contender for us and we’ve enjoyed having him on the team for seven seasons,” Andretti said. “He’s won races and has become a team leader, but all careers and all teams evolve and we decided together that it was time for each of us to move on. I have no doubt that he will have another successful IndyCar career and we wish him the best. In the meantime, we are all working hard to end the 2022 season strong.”