DHL and Andretti Autosport will part ways after the 2023 IndyCar season, following a 13-year partnership amid rumors of a split.
DHL became the primary sponsor of Andretti Autosport ahead of the 2011 IndyCar season, and was also a part of Ryan Hunter-Reay’s No. 28 Honda, which was previously the No. 37.
Hunter-Reary secured 14 race victories in his 12 seasons with the Andretti squad, including 13 in the 11 seasons following the official start of the DHL partnership. Along with winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500 in the colors of DHL, he also set a career-high with four victories during his championship-winning 2012 campaign.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Romain Grosjean took over driving the No. 28 Honda from Hunter-Reay, albeit he won’t be remaining with the squad in 2024. Marcus Ericsson, a former driver at Chip Ganassi Racing, is expected to join the team next season.
However, in the 2024 IndyCar season, the winner of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 will not be running a DHL-sponsored No. 28 Honda.
The logistics company has definitely made its final appearance on the No. 28 Honda, according to rumors that they were going to leave Andretti Autosport after the 2023 season.
“On behalf of DHL Express, I can confirm that DHL will not be renewing our long-standing partnership with Andretti Autosport following this season,” a DHL spokesperson said.
“Our organization is immensely grateful for the mutually beneficial and successful partnership over the last 12 years, during which we achieved significant milestones together with owner Michael Andretti and his team.
“The partnership, which engaged our customers, employees, and fans alike, resulted in many exciting wins, including a championship and a thrilling Indianapolis 500 win.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Andretti Autosport and their commitment to our joint successes, and we part ways amicably with the utmost respect for their team.
“We look forward to ongoing presence in sports sponsorships within the United States for 2024 and beyond.”
The company’s final triumph with Michael Andretti’s squad took place in the 2018 season finale at Sonoma Raceway when Hunter-Reay entered victory lane for the 14th and final time with the team and the 13th time since teaming up with DHL.
It had been rumored that DHL will be seeking for a new IndyCar team for the 2024 season, and while nothing has been verified, this is still a possibility.
The statement that they “look forward to ongoing presence in sports sponsorships within the United States for 2024 and beyond” leaves the door open for potential IndyCar opportunities, and a change of teams wouldn’t be the first time that a major primary sponsor found itself in a new partnership within the IndyCar championship’s paddock.
Despite refusing to comment on its future in the paddock, sources continue to confirm to Racetrackmasters.com that DHL will return with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2024.
