IndyCar legend Michael Andretti shared a heartwarming message for his son, Marco Andretti, who announced his retirement from racing and the Indy 500 on Wednesday, October 29. The 38-year-old was a third-generation racer and hung up his boots to end a 20-year-long professional racing career.
Marco debuted in IndyCar in 2006, following in the footsteps of his father, Michael Andretti, and grandfather, Mario Andretti, each of whom was a championship winner. He nearly created history on his debut at the prestigious Indy 500 that year.
The third-gen Andretti started the race in P9 and was leading on the final lap. His father, who was also on the grid, was running behind him in P2. It could’ve been a picture-perfect 1-2 finish for the duo, if not for Sam Hornish Jr, who came from P3 to overtake both of them, including passing Marco just before the finish line.
There were more such unfortunate moments in Marco Andretti‘s career. Michael Andretti touched upon such a career of ‘what ifs’ in a video message for his son.
“Hey Marco, I want to congratulate you on a great career,” the 1991 CART champion said. “I know it was not what you wanted. It was definitely a career of almost. You easily could’ve had I don’t know how many Indy 500s and more races at least, another 10, I’d say. They were taken away from you with no control of your own. You had nothing to do about a lot of the DNFs, and it’s just a real pity those things didn’t work out.”
Marco Andretti retired from full-time IndyCar racing in 2020. He continued to compete in the Indy 500 with Andretti Autosport (now Andretti Global), the team he raced for his entire career and one that was owned by his father until 2024. His grandfather, Mario Andretti, was the only driver of the family that won the Indy 500.
Michael Andretti recalls the best aspect of Marco Andretti’s racecraft and the family’s Indy 500 record
Marco Andretti had his share of highlights during his IndyCar career, including winning Rookie of the Year at the 2006 Indy 500 and securing pole position for the 2020 Indy 500. While the race results didn’t go his way, Michael Andretti highlighted the positives of his son’s career.
In the video message, the 63-year-old also said:
“I still think you have a lot to be proud of, going out to be Rookie of the Year at Indianapolis, almost winning the race, and actually help set a record for the Andrettis, in terms of four Andrettis winning Rookie of the Years at Indianapolis, something that’s never been done. So there’s a lot to be proud of.”
“Watching you race was exciting, especially on restarts. You were very creative on your passes, which was always exciting, I think, not only for me but all the fans. It was always fun watching you race. I wish you all the luck in the world for your future. Love you and Billie and Miura.”
Marco Andretti’s 20th and final start at the Indy 500 this year ended prematurely, as he crashed on lap one of 200. In his retirement announcement, he shared that he would focus his energies on being a “great father” to his daughter, Miura, and growing his other business ventures.
Michael Andretti stepped aside from Andretti Global in September 2024, announcing his resignation as chairman and CEO of the organization. 2026 will be the first year in IndyCar in over 30 years where an Andretti won’t be on the grid or have an active role in the paddock.
Edited by Yash Kotak
