Marco Andretti’s Surprise Return Shakes Up 2025 IndyCar Season – Everything Fans Need to Know

Marco Andretti’s hopes for a story-book 20th start in the Indianapolis 500 ended almost as soon as they began, with the veteran spinning into the Turn 1 wall on the opening lap of Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The No. 98 MAPEI / CURB Honda slid backward after slight contact with Jack Harvey, crunching the left sidepod and suspension before coming to rest as the rest of the 33-car field streaked past. The early exit was a gut-punch for Andretti, who entered the Month of May determined to finally add his name to the family’s Borg-Warner Trophy lineage. The 38-year-old grandson of 1969 winner Mario Andretti and son of former IndyCar champion Michael Andretti had qualified mid-pack in 17th, but confidence inside Andretti Global was high after productive Carb Day runs. Race-ending damage Track safety crews quickly removed the wounded Honda, but Andretti’s day—and his opportunity to break a winless Indy 500 streak that dates to his dramatic runner-up debut in 2006—was over. “We had a solid car for the long run,” Andretti said on the Peacock broadcast. “It’s heartbreaking when the race ends before it even starts, especially this year.” A turbulent lead-up Andretti arrived at IMS amid unusual off-track headlines. Last fall, Michael Andretti stepped away from day-to-day ownership of Andretti Global, handing majority control to TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss. The younger Andretti told reporters this week that his father’s shift to an advisory role hasn’t altered his own objectives: “Same goal—win the 500,” he said during Media Day. Milestone season Despite contesting only select IndyCar events, 2025 marked Marco’s 20th Indianapolis 500 start—tying him with legends such as Rick Mears for consecutive appearances with a single team. Sponsor MAPEI commemorated the milestone with a special chrome-blue livery, and Andretti entered race week as a sentimental favorite after consistently ranking among the top ten on the speed charts. Family legacy still calling The Andretti drought at Indy now stretches to 56 years since Mario’s victory, a statistic both fans and the paddock hoped Marco could erase. With cousin Jarett Andretti campaigning in sports-cars and Michael focusing on the team’s Formula 1 expansion bid, Marco has become the standard-bearer of the dynasty on Memorial Day weekend. “The passion is still there,” he said earlier in the month. “I’ll keep coming back as long as I believe we can win.” What’s next for Andretti The Indy 500 remains Andretti’s lone scheduled IndyCar appearance for 2025, but the Pennsylvania native hinted he may add more oval starts later in the season. First, he and race engineer Garrett Mothersead will debrief today’s data to understand how a promising setup never got the chance to shine. Meanwhile, Andretti Global shifts its focus to full-time drivers Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta, both title contenders in the NTT IndyCar Series. The team leaves Indianapolis with mixed emotions: Kirkwood finished on the podium, Herta came home eighth, and Marco’s early crash overshadowed an otherwise encouraging day for the organization. SEO key takeaways • Marco Andretti crash Indy 500 2025 Turn 1 • 20th Indianapolis 500 start ends on lap 1 • Andretti Global ownership transition to Dan Towriss • Michael Andretti attendance after stepping down • Family’s quest to end Andretti win drought continues As the sun set over IMS, the shattered carbon fiber of the No. 98 was a stark reminder that Indianapolis rewards few and humbles many. For Marco Andretti, the 110th running next May now looms as the next chance to complete a quest two decades in the making.