Austion Cindric’s future with Team Penske remains secure despite swirling rumors following a recent controversy involving the team’s IndyCar division. The speculation arose after the cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power failed a technical inspection prior to qualifying last weekend, triggering a broad scrutiny of the team’s practices. This incident led Roger Penske to take decisive measures, including the dismissal of three senior IndyCar leaders, among them Tim Cindric, who is Austin’s father.
This connection fueled social media chatter about whether Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 car, might also depart Team Penske.
Expert Insight on Austin Cindric’s Continuation with Team Penske
Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic addressed these rumors during an appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, expressing confidence that Austin Cindric will continue driving for Team Penske. Bianchi highlighted Cindric’s contractual commitment and on-track performance as key reasons for his ongoing role within the organization.
I will say this. Austin Cindric has term left on his deal with Penske,
Bianchi explained.
And if you look at the numbers and you look at the results, Austin’s delivering. This isn’t like, ‘Oh, he’s my kid, I’m gonna put him in a ride.’ He deserves it.
Bianchi further noted Austin’s comparable statistics to established teammates, emphasizing his value to the team’s dynamic.
His stat line is very similar to Joey Logano’s this year. He’s led more laps than Ryan Blaney this year. He’s in the playoffs.
According to Bianchi, Austin’s consistent results make him a beneficial presence within an organization anchored by highly accomplished drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Both Blaney and Logano have championship titles, yet Austin’s performance positions him as a strong team player capable of complementing their efforts.
I don’t see Austin going anywhere.
Analysis of Austin Cindric’s 2025 Season Performance
Throughout the current NASCAR season, Austin Cindric has recorded one victory at Talladega, securing his eligibility for the playoffs. Nevertheless, his other race finishes have been mixed, with only two additional top-10 results: an eighth-place finish at Daytona and sixth at Las Vegas. Over the past six races, Cindric made the top 10 only once, during his Talladega win.
While his results align closely with Logano’s this season, it is important to note that Logano himself has faced criticism for inconsistent performances. Both drivers are likely to aim for stronger performances moving forward, especially Cindric, who still has much to prove compared to his three-time championship-winning teammate.
Implications for Team Penske and Austin Cindric Moving Forward
The decision by Roger Penske to restructure leadership in response to the IndyCar inspection failure demonstrates the organization’s commitment to integrity and competitive fairness. Despite the upheaval marked by Tim Cindric’s departure, Austin’s contract and performance suggest stability in his role. His continuation with Team Penske offers the team a dependable and competitive driver who fits well alongside veterans Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, reinforcing the team’s strong driver lineup for upcoming seasons.
