Despite proving to be his usual consistent self in 2024, Rinus VeeKay finds himself frantically searching for an opportunity on the IndyCar grid.
Ed Carpenter Racing opted against retaining him for next season, in favour of Indy 500 race-winner Alexander Rossi.
It was a move which came as a surprise to some, leaving the loyal Dutchman to search for a new beginning.
He has five seasons of experience aged just 24 and has a proven track record, so there’s still a good chance that someone decides to take a punt on him.
Rinus VeeKay believes his 2024 season was his ‘best’ yet
Looking back at his record across five seasons, VeeKay appears to be the epitome of the word consistency, having finished between 12th and 14th in the drivers’ standings every year.
He strung four consecutive top-10 finishes together for the first time in his career in 2024, including a fifth-place at Iowa.
That’s part of the reason why he told the Speed Street Podcast that he believes 2024 may have been his best season yet.
“I believe that at ECR, especially in 2023, have been stuck at a level where others progressed and other teams got a lot better,” he said.
“We kind of got stuck where we were. I believe right now, you said I’m still the same driver as the driver that won a race, got pole positions, podiums. I believe 2024 was my best season I’ve ever driven.”
Which teams could he sign for that would be a step forward?
VeeKay’s next best bet if he wants to be able to compete at the front is probably going to be Dale Coyne Racing.
They have collected the odd few podiums in recent memory and have a car that is usually capable of fighting for top-10 finishes.
Juncos Hollinger are in a similar boat but happen to be looking for drivers with a bit more funding than the Dutchman comes with.
While the Argentine-American outfit did improve with Romain Grosjean and Conor Daly in 2024, there is still work to be done to make them more consistent performers.
A move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan alongside rookie driver Louis Foster could work, but they too are looking for sponsorship, while PREMA may be too much of a project for them.