Alexander Rossi has finally decided which IndyCar team he will join in 2025, after months of being the best free agent on the market.
The 2016 Indy 500 couldn’t come to an agreement with McLaren over an extension and his replacement was announced well in advance of the end of the 2024 season.
Having failed to take a win in the last two seasons with a competitive car, Rossi will be hoping that his days in victory lane aren’t quite over yet.
Aged 33, he has the experience to take his new Ed Carpenter Racing team to the top, but it’s all about whether he will have the resources to be able to do it.
Alexander Rossi’s ‘impossible to pass’ opportunity
Ed Carpenter recently let go of pending free agent Rinus VeeKay in a surprise move for the Dutchman, who had showed a lot of loyalty and been with them for five seasons.
He had never finished lower than 14th in the standings, but he now needs to find a new environment to settle in to for 2025.
Speaking about his new team, Rossi discussed how the way they are setting up for the future made it difficult to refuse them.
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“I’m honored that Ed and the entire ECR ownership group recognize the value I can bring to the team,” said Rossi.
“Their commitment to excellence, along with the power of Chevrolet and the ambitious plans they have for the future made this opportunity impossible to pass up.
“I’m eager to get started and contribute to the team’s continued success.”
Can Ed Carpenter return to the top step of the podium?
It has been three years and will be four since they last won a race at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in 2021 when Rossi joins.
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Partnering the promising young Dane, Christian Rasmussen who earned himself a seat late in the season, they will be hoping to take the team to new heights.
It comes after they signed a sponsorship deal with food giant Ted Gelov, securing crucial funding for the team.
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Having someone of Rossi’s experience levels could be crucial in developing their car setup every weekend, and put them in contention for better results.
For Rasmussen, it’s an opportunity to learn from someone who has experience of driving in Formula 1, as well as years in an IndyCar cockpit.