Ed Carpenter Racing has faced a disappointing 2025 IndyCar season, as both Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen find themselves outside the Top 10 in the overall standings. Despite high hopes for the season, the team‘s performance has fallen short, prompting speculation about the future of its drivers, particularly Christian Rasmussen Ed Carpenter Racing partnership.
Rasmussen, who secured the 2023 Indy NXT championship, joined Ed Carpenter Racing for the 2024 season and continues with them into 2025. Meanwhile, Alexander Rossi, a former Arrow McLaren driver, signed a multi-year contract with ECR starting this year. Marshall Pruett, an experienced IndyCar engineer turned journalist, offered his perspective on the uncertain outlook for both drivers following a difficult season.
Perspectives on Alexander Rossi’s Role at Ed Carpenter Racing
Rossi entered Ed Carpenter Racing as a prominent acquisition thanks to his credentials, including winning the Indy 500 and finishing as the 2018 IndyCar season runner-up. Regarding Rossi’s status, Pruett commented on the security provided by his multi-year deal and his performance despite setbacks:
“You see an Ed Carpenter Racing announce Alexander Rossi and say it’s a multi-year deal. I would note that because in the first year of his deal with the team, it being a multi-year deal and Alexander Rossi for sure is safe because they signed him to a multi-year deal and it is an enforceable contract. I would also say that he’s been great for them despite brutal luck, misfortune, mistakes, all the things balled up together.” —Marshall Pruett, IndyCar insider
This viewpoint highlights that while Rossi’s season has had its problems, his contractual position offers him stability within the team even amid ongoing struggles.
Christian Rasmussen’s Contract and Potential Team Changes
In contrast to Rossi, Rasmussen is reportedly in the final year of a two-year deal with Ed Carpenter Racing. Pruett raised questions about whether the team plans to retain Rasmussen for upcoming seasons. He noted the absence of obvious immediate replacements aside from the possibility of veteran driver Will Power:
“Christian, I believe, is in the last year of a two-year deal. Most of these deals of late are two-year deals. Question is, what is it at the end of the deal?” —Marshall Pruett
“So to me, our guy Raz, if it’s not being replaced by Will Power, I don’t know of anybody else that I would say is an instant aha. Yes, do that now, it makes your team better.” —Marshall Pruett
Furthermore, Pruett mentioned Linus Lundqvist as another candidate who could potentially strengthen the team, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Rasmussen’s long-term place at Ed Carpenter Racing.
Performance Overview of Rossi and Rasmussen This Season
Alexander Rossi started his campaign strongly with three Top 10 finishes in the initial four events, showcasing promise for Ed Carpenter Racing. However, his momentum stalled after early setbacks, including retirements at the Indy 500 and Iowa Race 1. Since those events, Rossi has managed only one additional Top 10 finish.
Christian Rasmussen’s season has been more erratic. He struggled early, failing to finish in the Top 10 during his first five races and retiring from both the Detroit and Mid-Ohio Grands Prix. Nonetheless, Rasmussen excelled on ovals, putting in solid performances such as a P6 at the Indy 500, multiple Top 10 finishes at Iowa, and a podium at the World Wide Technology Raceway.
The recent race in Toronto was a low point for Ed Carpenter Racing, as both drivers failed to finish, compounding the team‘s difficulties this season.
Implications for Ed Carpenter Racing’s Future and Driver Lineup
The 2025 season’s struggles have placed Ed Carpenter Racing at a crossroads regarding its driver lineup, particularly the future of Christian Rasmussen Ed Carpenter Racing collaboration. While Rossi appears secure due to his contract and experience, Rasmussen’s position seems less certain, with team management potentially exploring alternatives like Will Power or Linus Lundqvist to improve competitiveness.
The outcome of these decisions will likely influence the team‘s strategy and performance in coming seasons, as Ed Carpenter Racing seeks to regain form and challenge for higher positions in the championship.
