Andretti Autosport has split from Zach Veach with immediate effect ahead of the final three races of the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series campaign.
Veach has decided to step away from the team after learning he would not be kept on for the 2021 season.
Veach, 25, has had a long-term affiliation with Andretti, which began in 2010 when he competed in the U.S F2000 National Championship for the outfit.
He stepped up to IndyCar full-time with Andretti in 2018 but has struggled to contend for top 10 positions on a regular basis.
Veach opened the delayed 2020 season by classifying fourth at the Texas Motor Speedway but his form has since slumped and he holds only 20th in the standings.
“The decision was made that I will not be returning in 2021 with Andretti Autosport in the No. 26 Gainbridge car,” said Veach.
“This, along with knowing that limited [on-track] testing exists for teams due to Covid-19, has 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.
“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.”
Andretti is set to reveal Veach’s replacement in the coming days.
“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,” added Team Owner Michael Andretti.
“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.”
