Andretti Global’s latest move is turning heads in the motorsport world, as the powerhouse racing team has secured a high-profile sponsorship deal with Fox Sports for Marcus Ericsson’s No. 28 Honda at the upcoming Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. This partnership, announced on July 3, 2025, is more than just a splashy new livery—it’s a bold statement about the growing synergy between IndyCar and its new broadcast partner, Fox Sports. With the Mid-Ohio race set to air live on Fox at 1 p.m. ET on July 6, this collaboration is poised to captivate fans and elevate the sport’s visibility in a way that’s impossible to ignore.

The No. 28 Fox IndyCar Honda, driven by the 2022 Indianapolis 500 champion Marcus Ericsson, will debut a striking black-based livery accented with Fox’s signature blue and white logos. Inspired by Fox Sports’ iconic football-playing robot Cleatus, a fan favorite since its debut during the 2005-2006 NFL season, the car’s design is a nod to the network’s bold and futuristic branding. Cleatus himself will make an appearance at Mid-Ohio, mingling with fans and adding a playful energy to the race weekend. This isn’t just a paint job—it’s a celebration of Fox Sports’ transformative first season as IndyCar’s official broadcast partner, which has already delivered jaw-dropping viewership numbers.

Fox Sports has wasted no time making its mark on IndyCar. The 2025 season opener in St. Petersburg drew 1.4 million viewers, a 14-year high and a 45 percent increase over 2024. The Indianapolis 500 was even more impressive, pulling in over seven million viewers—a 41 percent jump from the previous year and the most-watched Indy 500 in 17 years. Andretti Global’s three wins this season, including triumphs at Long Beach, Detroit, and World Wide Technology Raceway, all coincided with races that saw viewership spikes of 75 percent or more. These numbers tell a clear story: Fox Sports is bringing IndyCar to a broader audience, and their partnership with Andretti Global is a natural extension of that momentum.

For Marcus Ericsson, this deal is a chance to shine on a track where he’s historically excelled. The Swedish driver boasts an enviable record at Mid-Ohio’s 2.258-mile road course, with a second-place finish, two fifths, and a sixth in his last five starts. Despite a challenging 2025 season that has him sitting 21st in the championship with 123 points, Ericsson remains a fan favorite and a proven contender. His recent performances, including a 13th-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway and a penalized second-place result at the Indy 500, show he’s still got the skill to compete at the front. With Fox Sports’ backing, Ericsson is ready to channel that energy into a standout performance at Mid-Ohio.

Andretti Global’s leadership is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. Jill Gregory, the team’s president, praised Fox Sports as a fantastic broadcast partner, emphasizing how the livery showcases their shared commitment to growing IndyCar’s reach. Drew Panaro, Fox Sports’ vice president of sports brand partnerships, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to cement Fox as the home of “the fastest racing on earth.” This isn’t just a one-off sponsorship—it’s a strategic move to deepen the ties between two organizations pushing the boundaries of motorsport entertainment.

What makes this deal so intriguing is its timing. IndyCar is at a turning point, with Fox Sports driving unprecedented viewership and Andretti Global navigating a season of highs and lows. The team’s recent penalties at the Indy 500, where Ericsson and teammate Kyle Kirkwood were docked for technical infractions, added drama to their campaign. Yet, with a new livery, a motivated driver, and a high-energy broadcast partner, Andretti is poised to steal the spotlight at Mid-Ohio. Fans are already buzzing about the Cleatus-inspired car and what Ericsson might achieve on a track that suits his driving style.

As the Honda Indy 200 approaches, all eyes will be on Ericsson’s No. 28 Fox IndyCar Honda. Will this partnership spark a turnaround for the former Indy 500 winner? Can Andretti Global leverage Fox Sports’ massive platform to dominate the second half of the season? One thing is certain: this collaboration is a game-changer, blending high-speed racing with high-impact branding in a way that’s sure to keep fans glued to their screens. Tune in on July 6 to see how this story unfolds on the winding roads of Mid-Ohio.