IndyCar legend Marco Andretti reveals his future plans following his retirement from motorsport and thanks fans for their love and support after a 20-year career

Marco Andretti, the third-generation racer from one of motorsport’s most storied families, has officially closed the book on his driving career, announcing his retirement from IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500 in late October 2025. The 38-year-old grandson of Formula 1 champion Mario Andretti and son of Michael Andretti made the heartfelt declaration via social media, marking the end of a two-decade journey that began with high expectations and delivered a mix of triumphs, near-misses, and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Andretti’s announcement came after a career that spanned 20 starts at the Indianapolis 500, a milestone he achieved in his final appearance in 2025 with Andretti Global. That race marked his 20th attempt at the Brickyard, a fitting capstone to a run that started in 2006 when he debuted as the IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year. Though an Indy 500 victory eluded him—famously perpetuating the so-called “Andretti Curse” that has haunted the family since Mario’s win in 1969—Andretti’s contributions to open-wheel racing in America remain significant.

He competed full-time in IndyCar for many seasons, securing podium finishes, pole positions, and a reputation as a fierce competitor who never shied away from the spotlight.

In his retirement statement, Andretti expressed a deep sense of peace with his decision. “Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500,” he wrote. “That totals 20 starts at the Speedway, which I feel so fortunate to have experienced. I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life.” The message reflected a driver who had given everything to the sport but was now ready to step away on his own terms, shifting focus from the cockpit to other priorities that had long simmered in the background.

Central to Andretti’s future plans is family, particularly his young daughter, Miura. After years of the relentless travel, training, and pressure that define a professional racing career, he has emphasized his desire to be more present for her. “I plan to spend time with my daughter, Miura,” he noted, highlighting how the demands of racing had often pulled him away from home. This shift represents a common but poignant transition for athletes in high-stakes disciplines, where the thrill of competition eventually gives way to the quieter rewards of parenthood.

Beyond family, Andretti intends to channel his energy into an array of business ventures that he has cultivated over the years. Real estate has been a key focus, with investments and developments that have provided stability outside the unpredictable world of motorsport. He has also teased other entrepreneurial pursuits, suggesting a multifaceted post-racing life that draws on his name recognition, business acumen, and industry connections.

While specifics remain under wraps, sources close to the driver indicate that these endeavors will keep him engaged in the broader racing ecosystem, perhaps through advisory roles, sponsorship opportunities, or even team-related involvement down the line.

Andretti has not ruled out staying connected to the Indianapolis 500 in a non-driving capacity. Recent reports indicate that for the 2026 running—the 110th edition of the iconic race—he plans to attend as a fan for the first time since his debut two decades ago. This mirrors the approach his father, Michael, took in 2025 after stepping back from team leadership roles. Being trackside without the pressure of qualifying or racing represents a new perspective for Andretti, one that allows him to appreciate the event that has defined so much of his life from the grandstands rather than the garage.

Throughout his statement and subsequent interviews, Andretti made a point to express profound gratitude to those who supported him along the way. He thanked his family for their sacrifices, his teams for their belief in him, his sponsors for their backing, and most emphatically, the fans who filled the stands and followed his journey. “To my family, friends, teams, sponsors, and fans who have genuinely supported me for the last 20 years—thank you,” he wrote. “Your love and encouragement have meant everything.” The outpouring of responses from the racing community underscored the respect he commands.

Fellow drivers, team personnel, and enthusiasts flooded social media with tributes, celebrating not just his on-track achievements but his character, resilience, and role in carrying the Andretti legacy forward.

The retirement marks the end of an era for the Andretti family at the Indianapolis 500. For the first time in decades, no Andretti is expected to compete in the race, a symbolic shift that has sparked discussions about the “curse” and the family’s enduring impact on American motorsport. Mario’s pioneering success in the 1960s and 1970s, Michael’s competitive prowess in the 1990s and beyond, and Marco’s consistent presence over the past 20 years have made the name synonymous with IndyCar.

While the competitive chapter closes, the legacy endures through the team’s ongoing operations and the inspiration it provides to future generations.

As Andretti embarks on this next phase, he leaves behind a career defined by passion rather than a single defining victory. He never won the Indy 500, but he embodied the spirit of the event—relentless pursuit, family tradition, and deep appreciation for the fans who make it all possible. In stepping away, he does so with no regrets, only gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Whether through business, family, or occasional appearances at the track, Marco Andretti will remain part of the motorsport fabric he helped weave.

For a driver who grew up in the shadow of legends yet forged his own path, retirement is not an ending but a transition. The roar of engines will fade, but the memories, the support, and the love from the racing world will linger. As Andretti himself put it, he is at peace with the next chapter—one that promises new adventures far from the starting grid.