"I don't see the real benefit" - IndyCar insider skeptical of Andretti Global dropping Honda for Chevy, citing Roger Penske's priority status

IndyCar insider Marshall Pruett expressed his skepticism towards Andretti Global potentially switching associations to Chevy. Recent weeks have seen an overwhelming number of rumors linking Andretti Global to Chevy once again amid talks of the team dropping Honda.

The rumors around the IndyCar paddock suggest that Andretti Global may part ways with Honda and switch to Chevrolet engines for the 2025 season. While such a move could reshape the dynamics of the series, not everyone is convinced of its merit. IndyCar insider Marshall Pruett, in the latest episode of his podcast "The Week in IndyCar," voiced his opinion on the links. He said:

"That's been one of those questions for years now. Since there's been a Cadillac/GM/Andretti F1 angle, is this going to have a knockon effect with the IndyCar program, which has been Honda powered since 2014," Pruett said (at 9:25).

Despite acknowledging the strategic allure of aligning with Chevrolet, Pruett questioned the practical benefits. He added:

"(Chevy) are a strong P2. If Chevy were to add Andretti to their stable, I'd say they'd become the clear Number P2. But they're already P2. So, again, I don't know if I see the real benefit here, knowing that there's already a bunch of Chevy powered teams going into the next season at least."

Since its very inception in 2003, when Michael Andretti purchased a share in Forsythe/Green Racing, Andretti Global (then known as Andretti Green Racing) has had a largely uninterrupted partnership with Honda, save for a brief switch to Chevrolet in 2012 and 2013. During that stint, the team pursued better competitive performance but ultimately returned to Honda in 2014. Over the years, this partnership has yielded significant success, including three championships (2004, 2005, 2007) and five Indianapolis 500 victories (2005, 2007, 2014, 2016, 2017).

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Marshall Pruett talks about Roger Penske's influence in Chevy amidst Andretti Global links

One of the central reasons for Pruett’s skepticism is Roger Penske’s unparalleled influence within Chevrolet’s IndyCar program. Penske, a motorsport legend and co-owner of Ilmor Engineering, the company that develops Chevrolet’s IndyCar engines, holds a unique position in the hierarchy. Pruett said in the same podcast:

"Chevy already have Team Penske, that's never changing, they'll always be P1. Roger co-founded and co-owns the company that makes Chevy's IndyCar engines. They're always gonna be P1." (12:24)

Adding on to the dynamics of Andretti shifting to Chevy, he said:

"Chevy with Team Penske, P1 slot. Arrow McLaren, P2 slot. Not as if adding Andretti wouldn't be a really smart thing for Chevy, but the point being, hey, gonna leave Honda and go become 'where' in the hierarchy within Chevy."

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Andretti Global's manufacturers in IndyCar.