Marco Andretti, the son of Michael and grandson of Mario, has decided to officially end his career as a race car driver. The 38-year-old posted a lengthy statement on Wednesday, confirming the news.
Andretti has spent the majority of his career in IndyCar, making his debut in 2006. Previously, he had won the 2004 Skip Barber National title before moving up through Star Mazda and Indy Lights.
As an IndyCar driver, he started 253 races, earning 20 podiums and winning two races — once at Sonoma Raceway in 2006 and then at Iowa Speedway in 2011. He also earned six poles, including pole position for the 2020 running of the Indianapolis 500.
At IMS, he qualified for 20 consecutive Indy 500s between 2006 and 2025, finishing as high as second. That runner-up finish came in his debut, leading the white flag lap before losing out to Sam Hornish Jr. in a spectacular photo finish. In his final start earlier this year, Marco started and finished 29th after an unfortunate crash just four laps into the event.
Marco Andretti full statement
Marco Andretti, Andretti Global
Photo by: Penske Entertainment
In a statement announcing his retirement, Andretti said the following:
“To my family, friends, teams, sponsors, and fans who have genuinely supported me for the last 30 years in motorsports, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to continue our family’s passion on the racetrack. I have had some really fun times behind the wheel in a lot of different types of racing cars — a lot of great memories as well, mostly at the Indy 500. 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. 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. I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life after dedicating three decades to the sport. I will be prioritizing most of my time on being a great father to my daughter, Miura, and tending to my other business ventures.
“I am also coming out with a memoir about my life called “Defending the Dynasty.” Details coming soon on that. 2006–2025: Competing at the top level of North American motorsport is and has been an honor for me, even in the tough times. That is where I can look back and say I have made my best progress in life as a man. Learning to navigate very difficult dynamics at times, and others doubting me, made me realize that my opinion of myself is the one that should matter the most. Lastly, a special thank-you to a lot of the people I respect in motor racing for the kind words about my driving, work ethic, and true character.”
Other racing highlights
Marco Andretti, Andretti Herta w/ Marco & Curb-Agajanian Honda
Photo by: Geoffrey M. Miller / Motorsport Images
Andretti’s time behind the wheel also included an appearance in the 2008 running of the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans under the ALMS, as well as starts in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 2015 Formula E 2015 Buenos Aires ePrix, the 2021 IMSA Six Hours at The Glen, and even a few races in the final year of the A1 Grand Prix.
Near the end of his career, Andretti also ventured into the world of NASCAR, running a handful of races between the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series, as well as ARCA. While he never finished higher than 18th in the three national levels and never ran a Cup race, he did score a fifth-place finish in the 2024 ARCA race at Mid-Ohio.
He also competed in the now defunct Superstar Racing Experience for three seasons, winning the championship in 2022 over former NASCAR stars Ryan Newman, Bobby Labonte, and series founder Tony Stewart.
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