"Hell of a run": IndyCar drivers pay tribute to Marco Andretti as he announces retirement from Indy 500 and racing

Marco Andretti announced his retirement from the Indy 500 and the professional racing world. Subsequently, fellow IndyCar drivers paid tribute to the seasoned veteran's announcement and showered him with love and support.

Marco was a third-generation driver in the IndyCar field and made his debut in the premier open-wheel racing series in 2006. He then continued his full-time run in the series until 2020, before taking on an Indy 500-only role in the racing series.

Moreover, Marco made his last Indy 500 attempt this year, though it ended in heartbreak quite early. Despite that, many had anticipated that he would return in the fabled race next year, but he announced his sudden retirement came out of the blue, as he revealed on Instagram:

Then, fellow IndyCar rivals wrote heartfelt messages for the 38-year-old in the comment section, as Graham Rahal first wrote:

"Congrats brother. Hell of a run. Most of all, I have always and will always admire the humble, respectful and classy way you went about your work while racing with more pressure every weekend that anyone else can imagine. You be you, take care of that beautiful family and we'll see you soon. 👏🏻🏁"

Graham Rahal's comment on Andretti's Instagram post | Source: Instagram

Four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti also wrote:

"Congratulations MA, now you can come and sit with TK, EB and I and tell stories of how fast we were! Xx"

Dario Franchitti's comment on Andretti's Instagram post | Source: Instagram

Andretti driver Marcus Ericsson commented:

"Congrats on a great career🙌🏻💯👑 was a pleasure being your teammate in the last 2 500s"

Marcus Ericsson's comment on Andretti's Instagram post | Source: Instagram

Former Andretti driver Conor Daly commented:

"A lot to be proud of! Always a pleasure getting to share the track with you, my friend. 🤜🤛"

Conor Daly's comment on Andretti's Instagram post | Source: Instagram

Two-time F1 champion and IndyCar champion Emerson Fittipaldi's grandson and former IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi commented:

"Congrats on a great career my friend 👏🏻 best wishes to you and your family"

Pietro Fittipaldi's comment on Andretti's Instagram post

Marco Andretti made 20 race starts at the Indy 500, ranked 12th on the all-time list.

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Marco Andretti's fiancée pens an emotional message for her partner on retirement

Marco Andretti - Source: Getty

Marco Andretti had a vast IndyCar career. Despite only having two race victories, he etched several memories on the race track before bidding adieu to racing altogether.

Andretti was then showered with messages full of gratitude and love, including one from her fiancé, Billie Jo Powers, who commented on the post:

"We are SO unbelievably proud of you – not just for everything you've accomplished over the last 30 years, but most importantly, for the incredible father you've become. Watching you go from chasing your dreams to becoming the most devoted dad has been the most beautiful journey. This next chapter is going to be the absolute best. So proud of the man you are. Miura is the luckiest girl in the world to call you Dada!!!!! 🥰🤍"

Billie Jo Powers' comment on Marco Andretti's Instagram story | Source: Instagram

So, as it stands, no driver from the Andretti family will be a part of the IndyCar grid for any race for the first time since 2006.