Andretti Global Announces Engineer Transition Ahead of 2024 Season
INDIANAPOLIS – Ahead of the 2024 IndyCar season, Andretti Global is implementing a significant change in its engineering lineup, assigning a new race engineer to the No. 26 Honda for Will Power. Veteran engineer Nathan O’Rourke, who has been instrumental in Colton Herta’s journey since 2019—leading to nine IndyCar victories—will move to a shop-based role.
The decision comes as part of a strategic plan to reduce travel demands on O’Rourke, coinciding with the transfer of Herta’s career focus to Europe. Andretti’s COO, Rob Edwards, emphasized the importance of filling the race engineer position, as the team aims to enhance performance across its Honda-powered entries, including Kyle Kirkwood in the No. 27 and Marcus Ericsson in the No. 28.
“We evaluate what worked and what didn’t at the end of the season,” Edwards explained. “There will be some evolution, change a few parts, keep the parts that are working well, and obviously we’re keen to engage Will as soon as possible.”
The acquisition of Power, a seasoned driver with an extensive track record, is particularly significant for Edwards, who previously collaborated with him at the outset of Power’s career in Champ Car. “Having worked with him when he first started, I’m personally as much as professionally excited that he’s on board,” Edwards noted.
While Edwards has not disclosed specific candidates for the engineering role, he indicated that the team has a robust roster of talent from which to draw and would attract considerable interest externally if needed.
Once integrated, Edwards anticipates Power will have a considerable impact on a team that last secured an IndyCar championship in 2012 and an Indy 500 victory in 2017. Notably, Andretti was one of the top-performing teams at various races last season, with Kirkwood achieving three victories and finishing fourth in the championship. Herta concluded the season in seventh, while Ericsson faced challenges, finishing 20th.
As the team prepares for 2024, Edwards believes Power will elevate performance, challenging competitors like Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren while maintaining a competitive edge over Meyer Shank Racing and Team Penske.
“I think he will make us stronger as a team, and pull the other guys to rise to that same level, because he’s going to set the benchmark,” Edwards asserted. “He has the track record, and everyone respects him because of that.”
