Santino Ferrucci endured a bit of a breakout season with AJ Foyt Racing in 2024, but he’s not going to stop there.
The American driver finished ninth in the championship and came staggeringly close to claiming his first podium at both Milwaukee events at the end of the year.
However, the two-fourth places he claimed showed that the speed and consistency to match it is finally there.
He will remain with the same team for 2025, providing some stability and giving him a platform to kick on with his IndyCar progression.
Santino Ferrucci targets IndyCar championship in 2025
AJ Foyt have never been that much of a competitive team looking at the archives, with Ferrucci becoming the first full-time driver of theirs to achieve a top 10 finish in the championship since 2002.
That statistic just helps to put into perspective how impressive he was, including at Portland, where Ferrucci claimed his first pole position.
Speaking to The Race, Ferrucci mentioned that a championship charge may be possible if he can fix the smaller things.
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“Just coming back and just fixing those little mistakes that require perfection, I think we’ll be able to win a championship, or at least fight in the top three for one.
“So it’s more so just continuing to build on what we’re building. It’s a huge team sport. It’s been a huge effort. We’re super excited. I know Larry’s happy. I’m happy. Just can’t wait to see where it goes.”
Why AJ Foyt’s future looks a lot more encouraging now
AJ Foyt have decided to place faith in young talent and let them lead their efforts for the foreseeable future.
Ferrucci will be joined by a new teammate in the form of David Malukas, who proved that he has plenty of pace with Meyer Shank Racing.
Much like his fellow-American, he could have claimed a podium at some tracks if it wasn’t for being held up in incidents that were not his own fault.
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Expect the two to form a great partnership at Foyt in 2025, and while Ferrucci may be a little over-excited and optimistic with their aims, they are definitely dark horse candidiates.
It will be important to start the season on the right foot at St Petersburg next March, providing them with a solid platform to enjoy a good year with.