It’s difficult to step away from an environment and a team that you have been involved with for five years – but that’s what Rinus VeeKay is doing ahead of 2025.
A man who has never finished lower than 15th in the drivers’ standings is on the search for a new team next season.
He was one of the best free agents in the class, with a race win to his name and plenty of experience at the age of just 24.
But having left it so late, options on the IndyCar grid are now limited for next year, so it will be interesting to see where he decides to sign.
Marcus Ericsson reminds Rinus VeeKay to ‘keep pushing’
VeeKay has been the only consistent Ed Carpenter Racing driver over the last few seasons, and has helped to bring a level of stability to the team.
His 2021 win at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis feels like a long time ago, and he’s only managed to pick up one podium finish since then.
He did secure seven top 10 finishes in 18 races this season, and his youth and experience should help him find a seat somewhere else.
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That’s something that another European IndyCar driver in Marcus Ericsson is encouraging to happen, taking to Instagram to share his support for his colleague.
“Keep pushing bud!” he said.
Who is left with a seat available in IndyCar?
There are a few outfits left with openings for 2025, but none of the so-called top teams are advertising any opportunities.
Technically Chip Ganassi Racing only has one driver under contract, but they’re going to stick with Scott Dixon and Kyffin Simpson in all likelihood.
That leaves PREMA, who have one cockpit, and Juncos Hollinger and Rahal Letterman Lanigan left as serious options for VeeKay.
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PREMA would be a project and require a big investment of time at a stage where the best years of the Dutchman’s driving career are approaching.
He won’t want to waste those at the back of the grid, but there’s no guarantee that the other teams will perform well too – so all eyes are on whether he can make the right call for himself between now and the new year.