IndyCar team loses long-time primary sponsor for 2024

Following rumors of a split, DHL have officially ended a 13-year partnership with Andretti Autosport following the 2023 IndyCar season.

DHL joined Andretti Autosport as a primary sponsor ahead of the 2011 IndyCar season, joining the No. 37-turned-No. 28 Honda of Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Hunter-Reary earned 14 victories in 12 seasons with the team, including 13 in 11 seasons after DHL’s arrival. He earned a career-high four wins during his championship-winning 2012 campaign, and he also won the 2014 Indy 500 in DHL colors.

Romain Grosjean replaced Hunter-Reay behind the wheel of the No. 28 Honda ahead of the 2022 season, though he will not return to the team in 2024. Former Chip Ganassi Racing driver Marcus Ericsson is set to join the organization next year.

But the 2022 Indy 500 winner will not be driving a DHL-sponsored No. 28 Honda in the 2024 IndyCar season.

A few weeks ago, it was rumored that the logistics company would be moving on from Andretti Autosport following the 2023 season, and we have indeed seen the last of the organization on the No. 28 Honda.

From a series championship to an Indy 500 victory, our partnership with @AndrettiIndy is etched in history. To the Andretti family, you've been more than partners, you've been family. Thank you for a journey defined by perseverance, sportsmanship, and greatness. pic.twitter.com/Opw7HXEOqC
— DHL U.S. (@DHLUS) September 11, 2023

A DHL spokesperson confirmed the news to Beyond the Flag on Monday afternoon and supplied the following statement.

"“On behalf of DHL Express, I can confirm that DHL will not be renewing our long-standing partnership with Andretti Autosport following this season. 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 organization’s final victory with Michael Andretti’s team came in the 2018 season finale at Sonoma Raceway, when Hunter-Reay found victory lane for the 14th and final time with the team and 13th time since partnering with DHL.

There had been rumblings that DHL would be looking to find a new IndyCar team for the 2024 season, and this is certainly still possible, though nothing has been confirmed.

The fact that they “look forward to ongoing presence in sports sponsorships within the United States for 2024 and beyond” definitely keeps the door open for future IndyCar opportunities, and a move to a new team would not mark the first time we have seen a major primary sponsor find itself in a new garage within the series’ paddock.

Next. All-time IndyCar wins list. dark

The 2023 IndyCar season concluded this past Sunday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon won the season finale, and teammate Alex Palou was formally crowned champion for the second time in the last three years.