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Andretti Global has officially announced Ron Ruzewski as its new team principal, signifying his comeback to the fiercely competitive IndyCar series. This strategic move aims to invigorate the team's leadership as they prepare for upcoming seasons and challenges.

Ruzewski's career includes a significant tenure of over two decades at Team Penske, where he held pivotal roles such as managing director and the primary race strategist for driver Will Power. His departure from Team Penske in May was a consequence of the Indy 500 qualifying controversy, which involved illicit modifications to cars driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power. This incident led to a comprehensive reorganization within Team Penske's management, affecting several key personnel, including Tim Cindric and Kyle Moyer, with Moyer subsequently joining Arrow McLaren as its director of competition.

In his new capacity at Andretti Global, Ruzewski will take over from Rob Edwards, who has been a long-standing leader within the organization. Edwards will transition into a broader executive role as the Chief Performance Officer for TWG Motorsports, Andretti's parent company. This shift allows Edwards to leverage his extensive experience across multiple racing disciplines, including NASCAR, IMSA, Formula E, IndyCar, and Indy NXT, fostering collaboration among the various team principals.

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, expressed immense enthusiasm regarding Ruzewski’s appointment, highlighting his successful background in motorsports as a valuable asset that will bring fresh perspectives to both the IndyCar and Indy NXT programs. Towriss conveyed strong confidence that Ruzewski will significantly enhance the team's positioning as they continue to develop and strive for future achievements. Ruzewski himself shared his excitement about joining Andretti Global, recognizing its rich legacy and the inspiring vision set forth by Towriss and Jill Gregory. He eagerly anticipates working with the talented individuals across the organization to achieve new levels of success in IndyCar and the wider Andretti racing family.

A notable aspect of this new chapter for Ruzewski is his reunion with driver Will Power, who also recently left Team Penske after 17 years. Power is set to join Andretti Global in 2026, replacing Colton Herta in the No. 26 car, thus re-establishing their successful partnership. Edwards conveyed his optimism about his new role and his belief in Ruzewski’s leadership capabilities, noting their long-standing acquaintance since the early 1990s. He sees Ruzewski as an excellent choice to guide the Andretti programs forward.

The appointment of Ron Ruzewski as team principal underscores Andretti Global's commitment to strengthening its leadership and operational structure. This strategic hire, coupled with the return of Will Power, signals a clear intent to pursue greater competitive success and innovation within the IndyCar series and beyond. The organization looks forward to a promising future under its refreshed leadership team.

Verstappen Takes on the Green Hell: A New Challenge Awaits

Four-Time F1 Champion Ventures into GT3 Racing

It has been officially confirmed that the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, will participate in his inaugural GT3 race this weekend as part of the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS). This marks a significant step for the racing superstar as he expands his competitive horizons beyond single-seater motorsport.

Teaming Up for the Nordschleife Challenge

For the upcoming four-hour event, Verstappen will join forces with Chris Lulham, sharing an Emil Frey Ferrari 296. This collaboration is set to bring considerable attention to the NLS event, as Verstappen seeks to make an immediate impact in the GT3 category.

License Secured: Paving the Way for GT3 Glory

Just two weeks prior to this much-anticipated race, Verstappen successfully secured the necessary special license to compete in GT3 cars at the challenging 'Green Hell'. He achieved this by participating in an NLS race driving a restricted Porsche Cayman GT4, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to mastering the demands of the iconic circuit.

A Passion Beyond Formula 1: Verstappen's Enduring Love for Racing

Verstappen expressed his deep passion for GT3 racing, emphasizing his enjoyment of competing outside the Formula 1 arena. He described the Nordschleife as an extraordinarily demanding track due to its immense length and historic, intricate layout, making every lap a unique and challenging experience. His ultimate aspiration is to one day contend in the renowned 24-hour race at the Nurburgring.

Lulham's GT Competition Debut and Future Prospects

Chris Lulham, Verstappen's teammate, is also making his first foray into GT competition, having transitioned from sim racing. The 22-year-old is a part of Verstappen.com Racing, indicating a bright future in the sport alongside the celebrated F1 driver. The official preliminary entry list for the event has been released, confirming their participation.

Previous Nordschleife Experience and Upcoming Opportunities

While this marks Verstappen's official GT3 race debut, he previously tested a Ferrari 296 at the German track in May, where he reportedly set an unofficial lap record. It remains uncertain if this will be his final appearance at the Nurburgring this year, especially considering the NLS 2025 final round in October does not conflict with any Grand Prix events, leaving open the possibility for further participation.