On October 29, 2025, IndyCar driver Marco Andretti announced his retirement after 30 years of racing and 20 consecutive appearance at the Indy 500. The 38-year-old American stated he is ready to begin a new chapter of his life, focusing on being a father and other business ventures. He is currently working on a memoir titled, “Defending the Dynasty.”
In his retirement post, Marco Andretti wrote, “Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500. That totals 20 starts at the Speedway, which I feel so fortunate to be able to say. That is ranked 12th all-time. Not bad for a 38-year-old.
“I am proud of my overall stats at the Indy 500. I had six very legitimate shots at victory with Andretti Autosport and ended up with 20% top-3 finishes at the Speedway. It feels accomplishing to me to be able to retire having more podium finishes than my father Michael and the same as my grandfather Mario at the biggest race in the world.
Marco Andretti’s retirement means the 2026 Indy 500 will be the first time since 2005 that an Andretti will not be competing.
Reflecting on Marco Andretti’s racing career
Marco Andretti had a remarkable racing career up until his retirement. Making his IndyCar debut in 2005, Marco Andretti earned six pole positions, scored 20 podiums, and won two races. In 2021, Marco Andretti stepped back from IndyCar, solely in the Indy 500, as he tried other racing series including NASCAR. In 2025, Marco Andretti announced his retirement from racing.
Marco Andretti spoke fondly of his time racing against his father Michael Andretti who came out of retirement to compete against his son at the Indy 500 in 2006. The father and son battled for the lead of the race, with Marco Andretti overtaking his father in the closing laps. Marco Andretti finished the race runner-up as Sam Hornish Jr. ultimately won the race.
In his retirement post, Marco Andretti wrote, “I will never forget the rare circumstance of getting to race my dad in the closing laps for the win there — the pressure of participating in a dramatic Bump Day in 2011 to a pole position in 2020. That is what the Indianapolis 500 produces: extremes on both ends. That is why I love and appreciate it so much.”
