IndyCar: Zach Veach out at Andretti Autosport, effective immediately

Zach Veach will not return to Andretti Autosport for the 2021 IndyCar season, nor will he finish the 2020 campaign behind the wheel of the #26 Honda.

It was determined by Andretti Autosport that Zach Veach, who has driven the #26 Honda for the team since the 2018 IndyCar season to continue a longstanding relationship that dates back to his U.S. F2000 National Championship days in 2010 and 2011, would not be back behind the wheel for the 2021 season.

Andretti Autosport, the five-car team which still have a lot of work to do in terms of shoring up their driver lineup for next year, have not yet confirmed a replacement for the 25-year-old Stockdale, Ohio native. James Hinchcliffe, who drove for the team part-time this year, has been mentioned as a possible candidate.

Veach, who entered the season in a contract year and sits in 20th place in the championship standings through 11 of the 14 races on the 2020 schedule, then opted to give up his ride immediately to allow the team to explore their options for next year with three races remaining this season.

It should be reiterated that he was not under any obligation to do so and did so only to help the team move forward into the future, despite the fact that their future, at least in 2021, won’t include him as a driver.

Here is what Veach had to say in a statement.

"“The decision was made that I will not be returning in 2021 with Andretti Autosport in the No. 26 Gainbridge car. This, along with knowing that limited testing exists for teams due to COVID, have led me to the decision to step out of the car for the remainder of the 2020 INDYCAR season. I am doing this to allow the team to have time with other drivers as they prepare for 2021, and so that I can also explore my own 2021 options.“This is the hardest decision I have ever made, but to me, racing is about family, and it is my belief that you take care of your family. Andretti Autosport is my family and I feel this is what is best to help us all reach the next step.“I will forever be grateful to Michael and the team for all of their support over the years. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for a relationship that started many years ago with Road to Indy. I will also be forever grateful to Dan Towriss for his friendship and for the opportunity he and Gainbridge have given me.“My love for this sport and the people involved is unmeasurable, and I look forward to continuing to be amongst the racing world and fans in 2021.”"

Here is what team owner Michael Andretti had to say above Veach’s immediate departure from the team.

"“We first welcomed Zach to the Andretti team back in his USF2000 days and have enjoyed watching him grow and evolve as a racer, and a person. His decision to allow us to use the last few races to explore our 2021 options shows the measure of his character. Zach has always placed team and family first, and we’re very happy to have had him as part of ours for so many years. We wish him the best in whatever 2021 may bring and will always consider him a friend.”"