With Will Power’s contract at Team Penske coming to an end after the 2025 IndyCar season, speculation grows around who will fill his seat in 2026. David Malukas, currently racing for AJ Foyt Racing, is widely viewed as a strong contender for the Team Penske seat, intensifying the competition as the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway approaches.
Overview of Will Power’s 2025 Season and Contract Status
Will Power entered the 2025 season fully aware it would be his final year under his current contract with Team Penske. To manage contract negotiations, the Australian enlisted Fernando Alonso’s A14 management company, with Oriol Servia appointed as his representative, allowing him to focus on his racing performance. Power faced challenges early in the season, struggling in qualifying and often missing the first-round cut, placing outside the top 12. However, after a rough start, he showed marked improvement, securing Top 12 qualifying positions in nearly all subsequent races, except at Mid-Ohio.
Power’s qualifying consistency increased significantly in the season‘s latter stages, making it to the Fast 6 in the last five events. Notably, he secured pole position at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 despite retiring on Lap 47 in that race. Performance-wise, Power also achieved several strong finishes early in the season, including multiple Top 6 placements and podium appearances at the Sonsio GP and the Synk 275 at Iowa Speedway.
The highlight of Power’s 2025 campaign came with his victory at Portland, which was Team Penske’s only win of the season. Demonstrating resilience, he maintained composure against top competitors Christian Lundgaard and Alex Palou to clinch first place, underscoring his ongoing competitiveness despite nearing the contract’s end.
David Malukas’ Ascendancy with AJ Foyt Racing and Ties to Team Penske
David Malukas transitioned to AJ Foyt Racing for the 2025 season and has steadily adapted to his new team dynamics, drawing positive attention for his progress. Although his early results with AJ Foyt showed a period of adjustment, Malukas began delivering significant performances by the fifth race of the season. He earned his first podium for AFR at the Indy 500, where he started in seventh position. Following that, in Detroit, the young driver qualified second, illustrating rapid growth and potential.
Malukas also registered commendable results such as a fourth-place finish in Iowa Race 2, starting from third, and another impressive second-place qualification at the Milwaukee Mile 250. AJ Foyt Racing’s technical alliance with Team Penske, established during Michael Cannon’s tenure, has been a key factor in advancing AFR’s competitiveness. This collaboration not only benefits the team’s overall performance but also positions Malukas as a viable candidate for Team Penske due to access to shared technical data and developmental support.
Factors Influencing the Decision for the 2026 Team Penske Seat
Will Power and David Malukas each bring distinct advantages to the looming choice for Team Penske’s 2026 driver lineup. Power’s extensive experience spans over two decades in IndyCar racing, including more than fifteen years with Team Penske, making him one of the sport’s most seasoned drivers alongside Scott Dixon. He holds two IndyCar championships and remains a consistent performer, valued for his ability to deliver results under pressure. However, at 44 years old, Power is approaching the later stages of his racing career and is unlikely to continue for many more years.
Conversely, 23-year-old David Malukas offers youth combined with promise, having accumulated four years of IndyCar experience. His career trajectory suggests significant growth potential, particularly if he transitions to a top-tier team like Penske, where increased resources and support could enhance his performance. Malukas represents a long-term investment, with his prime years still ahead, contrasting with Power’s veteran presence.
The decision faced by Team Penske involves balancing the reliability and proven track record of Power against the future upside represented by Malukas. Selecting Power could maintain immediate strength but risks losing the promising young driver to competing teams. Choosing Malukas, meanwhile, would align with building for the future but carries uncertainties inherent in developing younger talent.
This impending choice underscores a broader strategic crossroad for Roger Penske’s team, highlighting the tension between honoring veteran contributions and nurturing emerging stars within the IndyCar paddock.
