IndyCar’s 2024 Music City Grand Prix finale marked the end of an era in many ways, for many different people in Nashville.
After two seasons with McLaren, Alexander Rossi will be moving on to pastures new in 2025, after failing to agree an extension deal with the outfit.
He finished in the top 10 of the drivers’ standings in both seasons with the team but now moves on to a new challenge for next year.
Rossi is yet to announce who he will drive for in 2025, but there are limited seats left on the grid, providing a somewhat clear picture of who he may compete for in the future.
Alexander Rossi waves goodbye to ‘end of an era’ with Pato O’Ward
There are a few places that Rossi could go to for 2025, with his experience and race winning abilities something that should command a lot of interest.
It’s rare that an Indy 500 winner comes onto the market and stays there for such a long time, so one can only predict that he has already signed a deal, or is not happy with what is on the table yet.
He has enjoyed a positive few years with McLaren, and formed a great partnership with teammate Pato O’Ward which me must now leave behind.
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They worked together to make McLaren a more consistent presence at the front of the IndyCar field, which has worked well.
Pato claimed two victories this year himself, proving their progression and showing that they have a chance to win it all next year.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Rossi waved goodbye to O’Ward with a post that said: “End of an era with @PatricioOWard.”
What are Rossi’s next options?
There is one seat left at Chip Ganassi Racing, although you would expect that Rossi would have been taken off the market if he was a serious option for them by now.
There are also openings at Meyer Shank Racing, PREMA, Rahal Letterman Lannigan and Juncos Hollinger Racing.
Some of those teams have budget restrictions, and Rossi would command a fairly hefty wage at this stage in his career.
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So could the new kids on the block from Europe – PREMA, sign Rossi for his experience in their attempt to hit the ground running?
Whether or not he signs with the Italian team would likely be down to if he feels as if he can deal with being at the back of the IndyCar grid for a few seasons as the project develops.