Josef Newgarden, the two-time Indy 500 winner and Team Penske driver, has openly addressed the circulating rumors about his potential retirement from IndyCar. The speculation intensified recently after a social media post suggested that a driver would retire following the 2025 season finale in Nashville, but clarified it would not be the anticipated name, sparking widespread conjecture involving Newgarden.
This initial post mentioned Will Power as a likely retiree or someone moving teams, which was later confirmed when Power officially parted ways with Team Penske on September 2. With Power’s departure confirmed, many fans turned their attention to Newgarden, especially given his difficult 2025 season that ended with a surprise win in Nashville. Insiders within the IndyCar paddock also noted ongoing discussions about the 34-year-old’s future in the sport.
Newgarden Offers Insight on Retirement Timeline
During an appearance on the Speed Street podcast hosted by Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Conor Daly, Newgarden was asked directly about the retirement rumors. In a lighthearted tone, he acknowledged retirement as an eventual certainty but refused to commit to a specific timeframe.
“I will say this. I am going to retire at some point in my life. Yes, I’m going to do that. I don’t know when that is. I can’t tell you right now when that’s going to be.”
—Josef Newgarden, Team Penske driver
Daly then pressed further, asking if retirement might happen within the next six to eight months. Newgarden responded firmly, distancing himself from any imminent plans.
“I hope not. It’s not on my to-do list.”
—Josef Newgarden, Team Penske driver
Challenges and Triumphs Mark Newgarden’s 2025 Season
Josef Newgarden‘s 2025 IndyCar season has been his toughest in years, plagued by bad luck that severely affected the entire Team Penske lineup. Among the drivers, Newgarden suffered the most setbacks, making his late-season victory in Nashville a rare bright moment and his first win since 2014. Without this success on home soil, he would have concluded the season without a single victory, a mark of frustration for a driver of his caliber.
Looking Ahead: Rest and Reflection on the Offseason
Following his final race triumph, Newgarden shared his thoughts on the importance of taking time away from racing during the offseason. At the post-race press conference, he expressed a desire to recharge by stepping back from the sport for a while to regain his passion.
“Yeah, I mean, candidly, I’m looking forward to it,” Newgarden said. “I’d like to go away and start to miss it again. Sometimes that’s what you want, is to miss something. That’s my plan.”
—Josef Newgarden, Team Penske driver
Though Newgarden remains contracted to Team Penske for the 2026 season, reports suggest that his position as driver of the No. 2 Chevy could be open to other contenders beginning in 2027, signaling possible change ahead.
The Future of Newgarden and IndyCar
The speculation surrounding Josef Newgarden IndyCar retirement rumors puts a spotlight on a pivotal moment for both the driver and his team. His willingness to acknowledge retirement as an eventuality, combined with the difficulties of the recent season, suggests a period of reflection and possible transition. The upcoming year will be crucial in determining whether Newgarden continues to compete at the highest level or pivots toward new opportunities beyond racing.
