IndyCar: Andretti Autosport confirms Honda engines in 2018

By Asher Fair | Aug 31, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the #28 DHL Honda, leads a group of cars during the 101st Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Andretti Autosport finally confirmed that they will, in fact, be sticking with Honda engines in the 2018 IndyCar season, which should set everything else in motion this silly season.

While earlier reports suggested the same thing, Andretti Autosport finally made it official that they will be sticking with Honda engines in the 2018 IndyCar season for the fifth straight year. In fact, they did so by announcing a multiyear partnership agreement.

The team also confirmed that Marco Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay will be back in the #27 and #28 Honda cars, respectively, next season, as expected. Alexander Rossi’s return is still up in the air, but now that the team is definitely sticking with Honda, it is expected that he will be back in the #98 Honda as well.

Here is what Andretti Autosport team owner Michael Andretti had to say about the decision.

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"“It’s no secret that we’ve been weighing this decision for a while now. We’ve had strong relationships and have marked milestones with both manufacturers, but we’re pleased to continue our Honda partnership. We have a great history of success with Honda and I have no doubt that, together, our collection of achievements will continue to grow.”"

In a way, this announcement has left some shaking their heads. Takuma Sato, who needs to drive for a Honda team, was recently reported to be heading to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing next season, although that has not been officially confirmed. Michael Andretti, however, says it’s a done deal.

"“It’s done. It’s in their contract that they can’t say anything to you guys, but we can. It’s done.”"

So Sato is effectively heading to a Honda team because said team is a Honda team just so he can continue driving in IndyCar when the team he left is also a Honda team and will continue to be a Honda team. In the end, the #26 Honda he currently drives for Andretti Autosport will need a new driver next season if Andretti does intend to maintain his four-car operation.

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