INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Andretti plans to attend the Indy 500 to support his son Marco. As of now, the elder Andretti is “relaxing in Italy,” the younger Andretti said.
Since stepping down from ownership at Andretti Global, Andretti has had more leisure time. Andretti founded the motorsport team in 2003 but transitioned to an adviser role when he gave control to TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss in September. His announcement shocked the racing world but it didn’t surprise Marco.
“I knew it a year before,” Marco said.
Marco said the atmosphere at Andretti Global has felt the same since his father’s resignation because most team members from Michael’s tenure are still present. Marco said he appreciates Towriss and TWG for not cutting corners as an ownership group.
The Andretti family name is established in motorsport history. Michael’s father, Mario Andretti, won the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and four IndyCar Series championships. Michael won 42 races and a championship in his career. Marco came on the scene in 2006 and won the IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year Award.
Andretti Global already has a win this season as Towriss celebrated Kyle Kirkwood’s win at the Long Beach Grand Prix, the lone race not won by Alex Palou. And a second win for the team could be even sweeter for the Andretti family.
Marco is hoping to win his first Indy 500 in his 20th attempt Sunday. The 38-year-old acknowledged that his father cheering him on as a supporter Memorial Day weekend excites him. Michael’s decision to relinquish ownership duties doesn’t affect Marco’s desire to keep racing and build upon his family legacy.
“I don’t think (him stepping down) really changed my approach,” Marco said. “That’s (racing) been the same goal all along for me.”
This story was updated to add a video.
