Andretti Global’s transition from Michael Andretti to Dan Towriss marks a significant shift in the team’s history
While the internal structure remains largely unchanged, Towriss’ leadership will determine the team’s trajectory in the coming years.
For Marcus Ericsson, 2025 will be a defining season. After a frustrating 2024, he must prove that he can be a race-winning driver once again. His success—or failure—will be a key indicator of whether Andretti Global’s new era is on the right track.
With the IndyCar landscape as competitive as ever, all eyes will be on Ericsson and Andretti Global to see if they can rise to the challenge.
Michael Andretti’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his presence at IndyCar’s 2025 season opener was a testament to his lasting impact. While he may no longer be calling the shots, his influence on Andretti Global and the sport as a whole remains profound.
For Marcus Ericsson and his teammates, having their former boss around was a reminder of the team’s rich history and its continued ambitions. One thing is certain—whether on the pit wall or in the grandstands, Michael Andretti will always be a part of IndyCar.
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Michael Andretti’s Departure: A Turning Point for Andretti Global
Michael Andretti’s decision to relinquish his leadership role marked a significant moment for Andretti Global.1
The 1991 CART champion had long been at the helm of the organization, steering it to prominence in IndyCar and beyond.
However, with his ambitions to enter Formula 1 creating internal friction, Andretti chose to step aside in September 2024.
Dan Towriss, who had been a major investor and partner, assumed full ownership of the team. While Michael Andretti retained an ambassadorial role, his exit signaled a shift in how the team would be managed moving forward.
Marcus Ericsson, a veteran IndyCar driver, has provided a revealing look into the changes at Andretti Global following Michael Andretti’s departure as chairman and CEO in late 2024. The legendary former driver stepped down to focus on his Formula 1 aspirations, passing the reins to business partner Dan Towriss.
In this article, we’ll explore the transformation of Andretti Global, how Marcus Ericsson has adjusted to the new leadership, and what the future holds for the team.
The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!
— Michael Andretti (@michaelandretti) November 25, 2024
Marcus Ericsson’s Perspective on the Leadership Change
After spending four seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing, Marcus Ericsson joined Andretti Global in 2024.
His arrival was highly anticipated, given his strong performances in the past, including a victory at the 2022 Indianapolis 500.
When asked about the changes at Andretti Global following Towriss’ takeover, Ericsson downplayed any drastic shifts in the day-to-day operations. Speaking on the Pit Pass Indy podcast, he said:
“Not a lot (of changes) around where I work. It’s all very similar there. We are very similar people working in the team. So it’s not been a huge change. Dan was already involved very much before as well, together with Michael. So it’s not a ton that has changed. But it’s cool to see Dan’s vision and see his drive to build this team and become the best. So it’s fun to be part of that journey.”
This statement suggests that while the team’s leadership has officially changed, the internal structure and personnel remain largely intact
Dan Towriss’ Vision for Andretti Global
With Towriss at the helm, Andretti Global is now under the guidance of a leader known more for his business acumen than his racing pedigree.2
A longtime supporter of motorsports, Towriss had already played a crucial role in the team’s financial stability.
Towriss’ primary focus appears to be long-term growth and establishing Andretti Global as a dominant force in IndyCar and beyond. Under his leadership, the team is expected to prioritize:
- Expanding technical resources to compete with top-tier teams like Penske and Ganassi.
- Attracting high-profile sponsors to secure financial backing for innovation.
- Developing young talent for sustained success.
Ericsson’s remarks suggest that Towriss is taking a methodical approach, ensuring continuity while implementing his broader vision.
Ericsson’s Struggles in His First Year with Andretti Global
Despite the excitement surrounding his move to Andretti Global, Marcus Ericsson’s debut season with the team in 2024 was underwhelming.
After proving himself as a strong competitor with Ganassi, expectations were high for him to deliver results with his new team.
However, the Swedish driver endured a winless campaign and finished a disappointing 15th in the final standings.
This was his worst season since 2020 when he placed 12th overall.
Several factors contributed to his struggles, including:
- Adapting to a new team environment and car setup.
- Andretti Global’s inconsistency in performance across the season.
- The strong competition from established front-runners like Penske and Ganassi.
The team’s inability to provide a race-winning car was evident, raising questions about its competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
Michael Andretti’s Influence on Ericsson’s Move
One of the key reasons Marcus Ericsson joined Andretti Global was Michael Andretti’s belief in his abilities.3
The former team owner had monitored Ericsson’s progress in IndyCar for years and was keen to bring him into the fold.
Additionally, the prestige of the Andretti name played a role in Ericsson’s decision. The team’s legacy and reputation in motorsports were strong selling points, even though the 2024 season proved challenging.
With Michael Andretti now stepping back, it remains to be seen how much influence he will have in the team’s operations.
His presence as an ambassador may still provide strategic input, but his direct involvement is likely to be minimal.
What Lies Ahead for Ericsson and Andretti Global?
As Andretti Global enters a new phase under Towriss, both the team and Ericsson have crucial questions to answer in the 2025 season:
With his reputation as a consistent and competitive driver, Ericsson will be determined to return to form in 2025.
His ability to adapt to the team’s evolving strategies and car improvements will be critical.
While Towriss has maintained stability so far, he may need to take decisive steps to elevate Andretti Global’s performance.
This could include hiring new technical staff, investing in better equipment, or making strategic driver changes.
With powerhouse teams like Penske and Ganassi setting the benchmark, Andretti Global must find ways to close the performance gap. A strong showing in 2025 will be essential to reestablishing the team as a true contender.
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Michael Andretti’s Presence at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Marcus Ericsson, a key driver for Andretti Global, appreciated seeing his former boss at the race.
Speaking on a podcast recorded during the race weekend, Ericsson expressed how Andretti’s presence still carried weight within the team.
“Yeah, it’s always good to see Michael and it’s good to have him here this weekend. He seems to be in good shape. His presence is always big for all of us. We enjoy having him here.”
Despite no longer running the day-to-day operations, Andretti remains an influential figure. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the sport, and his mere presence seemed to provide a morale boost to the drivers and team members.
The 2025 IndyCar season began with a spectacle at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking a fresh chapter for teams, drivers, and fans. Among the attendees was a familiar face—Michael Andretti.
Despite stepping away from the intense demands of running a race team, Andretti’s presence was unmistakable.
Formerly at the helm of Andretti Global, the legendary driver and team owner seemed at ease with his new role as a spectator.
Marcus Ericsson, one of the team’s standout drivers, took note of Andretti’s presence and shared his thoughts on what it meant for the team and the sport. Let’s explore how Andretti’s influence still lingers, the performance of Andretti Global at their first race without him at the helm, and what lies ahead.
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Andretti Global’s Performance in Their First Race Without Michael Andretti
The 2025 season opener was an emotional milestone for Andretti Global. It was their first race weekend without Michael Andretti actively leading the team. Naturally, there was a sense of anticipation regarding how the team would perform under new leadership.
Kyle Kirkwood, one of the team’s brightest prospects, had an impressive outing. He showcased remarkable pace throughout the weekend, securing a Top 5 finish. His ability to stay competitive against powerhouse teams indicated that Andretti Global remained a force to be reckoned with.
Ericsson, a former Indy 500 winner, had a solid race, crossing the line in sixth place. While it wasn’t a podium finish, it was a strong result that highlighted the team’s competitive edge.
For the first time in decades, Michael Andretti attended an IndyCar race without any official responsibilities. The 62-year-old had been a central figure in the racing world for years—first as a driver, then as a team owner. Now, as a retired figure, he found himself in unfamiliar territory.
Speaking about his newfound freedom, Andretti humorously admitted that he didn’t quite know what to do with himself:
“No headaches. It’s weird that I have no schedule. I’m not used to it, like, I don’t know what to do. I’m happy. Everybody is telling me I look happy. I didn’t know I was that miserable when I was here before.”
His remarks reflect the pressure and stress that come with leading a competitive IndyCar team. While retirement can be an adjustment, Andretti seemed to be embracing it, at least for now.
Michael Andretti’s Legacy Still Looms Large
Even in retirement, Andretti’s influence on the sport remains undeniable. Over the years, he helped shape Andretti Global into a powerhouse, developing talented drivers and competing at the highest level.
His presence at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was a reminder that his contributions to IndyCar won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
While the team is now in a new era, it’s clear that Andretti’s leadership laid a strong foundation. Whether as a team owner or a fan, his connection to IndyCar runs deep, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Colton Herta was in contention for victory, displaying blistering speed throughout the race. However, his chances were ruined by a painfully slow pit stop. The mishap dropped him down the order, forcing him to settle for a frustrating 16th-place finish.
This mixed set of results left the team with both optimism and disappointment. While Kirkwood and Ericsson delivered strong performances, Herta’s misfortune was a reminder of how critical pit strategy is in IndyCar racing.
What’s Next for Andretti Global?
With the first race of the season behind them, Andretti Global now sets its sights on the upcoming challenges.
Here are some key questions as the season progresses:
- Can Kyle Kirkwood build on his Top 5 finish and become a title contender? His performance at St. Petersburg was promising, but consistency will be key.
- Will Marcus Ericsson secure a podium in the next few races? He has the experience and skill to challenge the top drivers, but he’ll need a bit more speed.
- Can Colton Herta bounce back? His race pace was phenomenal, but the team must ensure that pit stop issues don’t cost him more points in the future.
The 2025 season is just beginning, and Andretti Global still has plenty to prove.
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