Andretti Global has likely been the IndyCar team investing the most in its future over the past season. The team relocated its IndyCar, Indy NXT, and Formula E operations to a brand-new 240,000 sq. ft. facility in Indianapolis, hired two-time IndyCar champion and former Indy 500 winner Will Power, and appointed Ron Ruzewski (formerly of Team Penske) as team principal. Now, those investments are expected to pay off on track in 2026.

During the first half of 2025, Kyle Kirkwood was Alex Palou’s only real challenger for the IndyCar title, grabbing three wins in the opening eight rounds. But the second half of his season was less successful — he failed to score another podium and dropped to fourth in the final standings. To become a true title contender this year, Kirkwood will need to sustain his early-season form.

“We’re excited for the new season,” Kirkwood said. “We’ve got Will (Power) and Ron (Ruzewski) on board, and there are a lot of big things happening in the team. It’s really positive. If we can improve just a bit on the road and short oval races, we’ll be in really good shape. We need more podiums, more top fives. Things are looking up — if we keep progressing, it’ll be a strong year.”

After seventeen years with Team Penske, Will Power didn’t get the contract extension he wanted for 2026 and decided to take on a new challenge with Andretti Global. For the 44-year-old Australian, it’s a fresh start with a team that’s serious about fighting at the front.

“Can’t wait to get the season started,” said Power. “I already tested the car in Phoenix, so going back there is going to be great. I think we’ll make a solid step. Over the season, I feel like we’ll have a car that can contend for the championship. I’ve said it before — I truly believe this team can be the best one in IndyCar within three years.”

Another driver under pressure is Marcus Ericsson. Since joining Andretti Global two years ago, the Swede has struggled to find form. After finishing fifteenth in his first season, things only got worse last year: he lost positions frequently, made mistakes, and ended up twentieth in the championship — far below expectations for a top-team driver. Entering the final year of his three-year deal, Ericsson knows he has to deliver or risk searching for a new seat in 2027.

“Next season’s going to be a lot of fun — and an important one too,” Ericsson concluded. “I’ve worked really hard in the off-season to come back strong and show what I can do. I need to be at the level I know I can reach — fighting up front, winning races, and racing with the best. I really enjoy street circuits, so the early part of the schedule looks good for us. No guarantees, but it should be strong tracks for us — hopefully we can grab some wins early on.”