Team Penske has confirmed that David Malukas will replace Will Power in the No. 12 Chevy starting from the 2026 IndyCar season. The 23-year-old driver, currently racing for AJ Foyt Racing, will make the move after a standout 2025 season, marking a significant step in his career and a major shift within the Team Penske lineup.
David Malukas’ Rise and the Transition to Team Penske
Malukas’ 2025 campaign showcased impressive speed and consistency, especially in qualifying on oval tracks. One of his most notable achievements came at the prestigious Indianapolis 500, where he initially finished second. This result was elevated when Marcus Ericsson, who crossed the line first, was disqualified following a failed post-race technical inspection. Malukas’ performance drew significant attention from the IndyCar community and solidified his reputation as a rising star.
The move to replace Will Power at Team Penske had been anticipated throughout the season. Although Malukas was still under contract with AJ Foyt Racing and driving the No. 4 Chevy, Team Penske had already secured him in their 2025 roster, placing him in the No. 14 car to prepare for this eventual promotion. With Power’s contract ending after the 2025 season and Josef Newgarden’s through 2026, Penske’s strategic planning centered on bringing Malukas into the fold to maintain their competitive edge.
However, contract negotiations with Will Power faltered amid unclear communication and delays, prompting the two-time IndyCar champion to decline a one-year contract extension from Penske. At 44, Power chose to join Andretti Global for the 2026 season, taking over the No. 26 Honda seat left vacant by Colton Herta, who is heading to the Cadillac Formula 1 program on a multi-year deal.
Malukas expressed deep respect for his predecessor and excitement about stepping into such an iconic role.
“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young racecar driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream. Will Power is one of the legends of our sport, and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet is one of the most-recognized cars on the grid. These are big shoes to fill, but I look at it as an opportunity because I know that it is one of the best teams in the paddock,”
Malukas stated in an official Penske press release.
Meanwhile, Rinus Veekay is expected to take over Malukas’ current position at AJ Foyt Racing, filling the No. 14 Chevy seat for the 2026 season.
AJ Foyt Racing’s Intentions and Malukas’ Ambitions
Earlier in the year, rumors about Malukas moving to Team Penske in 2026 were met with some resistance. Despite sponsorship links appearing through Gallagher — one of Penske’s key sponsors joining Malukas’ AJ Foyt car for the Portland race weekend — the driver remained publicly committed to his current team.
“No, from my side it’s same old, same old. As of right now, I signed a multi-year deal with Foyt. That’s kind of where the trajectory goes right now,” Malukas said, addressing the speculation.
Yet, Larry Foyt, the team principal of AJ Foyt Racing, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Malukas’ future and conceded that Team Penske held influence over where the young driver would eventually compete.
“David’s been great to have, no doubt, got a lot of talent, and really quick. Definitely a funny, interesting guy. He cracks me up. And then he’s done a great job. Would love to keep them around for another year; not sure about what’s going to happen there, but we’ll just see and keep working on things. And if that’s not the way it’s going to be, that’ll be okay, and we’ll keep going,” Larry Foyt said in an interview with RACER.
The transition to Team Penske represents a major step for Malukas, who will inherit a car and team with a legendary history. Will Power’s tenure in the No. 12 Verizon Chevy lasted 17 years, during which he claimed two IndyCar championships, the 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory, and 42 of his 45 career wins. Power also set an extraordinary record with 65 poles out of 71 attempts, raising expectations for anyone following in his footsteps.
The Importance of the No. 12 Car and What Lies Ahead for Malukas
The No. 12 car at Penske carries decades of prestige and has been a centerpiece for the team’s success in IndyCar. Malukas will face intense pressure to meet the high standards established by Power, who is regarded as one of the sport’s greatest competitors. His previous performances suggest he has the talent to thrive, but making the leap to Penske’s top program will test his adaptability and consistency under heightened scrutiny.
This upcoming transition highlights the strategic importance of driver development within top-tier teams like Penske. It also underscores the challenges associated with contract negotiations and team dynamics, as seen in Power’s unexpected departure and new partnership with Andretti Global. For Malukas, embracing the opportunity to drive the iconic No. 12 Chevy means preparing to compete against IndyCar’s best with one of the series’ strongest and most experienced teams.
As Malukas prepares for this pivotal career move, 2026 promises to be a defining season both for him and for Team Penske’s long-term competitiveness. The team’s decisions over the next months will reveal how well they can maintain dominance while integrating new talent into their championship-contending efforts.
