Andretti Autosport’s partnership with Romain Grosjean was expected to be a match made in heaven, with the potential for multiple race wins and podium finishes. However, this collaboration turned out to be a disappointment, as they only managed two poles and two runner-up finishes throughout the season. These were also Grosjean’s only top-five results in 2023. The pace was undoubtedly there, but for various reasons, this talented driver and the team failed to live up to expectations.
In contrast to Grosjean’s underwhelming performance, Kyle Kirkwood made an immediate impact by securing victory in only his third race with Andretti Autosport. Notably, he demonstrated remarkable composure in fending off teammate Grosjean during his winning race. Kirkwood frequently found himself in the midst of on-track action, whether it was good or bad. Although his wins at Long Beach and Nashville were impressive, his best performance of the year was his ability to recover from chaos and contact in Detroit, ultimately finishing sixth. If Kirkwood can establish greater consistency and consistently contend for top-five finishes, he will undoubtedly emerge as a formidable championship contender.
One of the most surprising developments in 2023 was Colton Herta’s failure to secure a single victory. It is worth mentioning the constant changes in race strategy on Herta’s timing stand as the Andretti team attempted to optimize his performance. There seemed to be a lack of trust that needed to be rebuilt in this aspect. Although there were glimpses of mid-season pace, Herta’s strong starts often culminated in significant setbacks of one form or another. However, it is important to note that every talented driver experiences slumps, and Herta’s undeniable talent will likely prevent this winless streak from continuing into 2024.
Nick Degroot expresses his disbelief that Kirkwood was the only Andretti driver to secure a victory in 2023. He emphasizes that this sentiment is not a reflection on Kirkwood’s abilities but rather the unexpected performances of Herta and Grosjean. Grosjean initially appeared to be on the cusp of a breakout year after nearly winning at St. Pete. Unfortunately, disastrous events plagued his season following the Indy 500. Herta’s season mirrored his performance in 2022, and both he and the No. 26 team failed to demonstrate significant progress. Unforced errors and internal conflicts among teammates have unfortunately become recurring themes for Andretti Autosport in recent years, leading to missed opportunities.
Despite the disappointments of 2023, there is a sense of optimism for Andretti Autosport in the upcoming season. The team has decided to downsize from four to three full-time cars, which may contribute to a more focused and cohesive effort. Additionally, the addition of Marcus Ericsson, a highly competent driver, offers a promising boost to the team’s performance. With these changes, it is anticipated that Andretti Autosport will find redemption in 2024 and reclaim their position as a leading force in the championship. This shift in dynamics presents an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance for the team to rectify their past shortcomings.
Andretti Autosport’s performance in 2023 fell short of both fan and industry expectations. The partnership with Romain Grosjean did not deliver the anticipated results, while Kyle Kirkwood provided a spark of hope with his immediate success. Colton Herta’s winless season was unexpected, but his undeniable talent suggests a brighter future. The upcoming season holds the potential for redemption, as the team downsizes and incorporates a new driver. Andretti Autosport must learn from their past mistakes, overcome internal conflicts, and capitalize on the opportunities presented in order to reclaim their status as a championship-contending team.
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