IndyCar driver Graham Rahal recently suggested that Will Power is very likely to join Andretti Global when the 2026 season begins. Power, a two-time IndyCar champion, is currently in the final year of his contract with Team Penske, which appears to be planning for his replacement by David Malukas. This speculation comes amid a broader reshuffling of teams and drivers in the series for the upcoming season.
Power had several possible teams to join, including Meyer Shank Racing, which ruled him out when they extended Marcus Armstrong’s contract for 2026. Other teams linked to Power were Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and AJ Foyt Racing, all prominent within the IndyCar landscape.
Despite these connections, Rahal, who races for Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL), now believes Power’s next destination is likely to be Andretti Global, a team known for offering lucrative contracts to its drivers. This insight was shared during an episode of the Speed Street podcast, hosted by fellow IndyCar driver Conor Daly.
“I have a sneaky suspicion it’s Andretti. He hasn’t said that to me. Oriol (Servia, Power’s manager) hasn’t said that to me. But that’s just the feeling. Money is no object for those guys right now. Their drivers’ salaries over there, we would all… I mean they are so far above everybody else. Like Colton’s on a different stratosphere, but even everybody else. I could be way off base, but I feel like that’s the most likely position for him.”
This suggests that Andretti Global is prepared to offer Power a contract that surpasses what other teams can deliver, reflecting their significant financial resources and desire to strengthen their driver lineup.
Andretti Global’s Current Roster and Potential Impact on Marcus Ericsson
Colton Herta stands as Andretti Global’s highest-paid driver, commanding a salary of $7 million annually. His teammate Kyle Kirkwood, who has won three races in the current season, reportedly earns $3.5 million, while Marcus Ericsson, who joined in 2024, receives about $3 million a year.
All these drivers are confirmed to be under contract with Andretti Global for 2026. If the team signs Will Power, it could necessitate adjusting their roster, possibly making Marcus Ericsson the most likely candidate to lose his seat. Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 winner, is having one of his poorest seasons, currently ranked 20th in the standings with just two races left in 2025. This decline may influence Andretti Global’s decision-making as they prepare their lineup for the next season.
Graham Rahal’s Thoughts on Power Joining Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Prior to the 2025 Grand Prix of Portland, Will Power expressed anxiety over his contract status with Team Penske, describing the uncertainty as “stressful” because the team delayed making a final decision until the season’s last weekend in August.
A few days before the Portland race, Graham Rahal had publicly praised Power as an excellent candidate for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, emphasizing the value Power would bring to the team. At Portland, Power ended Team Penske’s difficult season by winning the race, prompting Rahal to reiterate his admiration.
“If I were Team Penske, I don’t think I would let him go. But that’s just me.”
This endorsement fueled rumors that RLL was Power’s likely destination. However, Rahal later clarified on the Speed Street podcast that while he would welcome Power to RLL, the team is unlikely to sign him due to existing driver contracts and strategic choices.
“It’s not us. I mean, I would love to have Will because I think our team is on the verge of really going forward. And I think Willy, he could really help us in that regard. But it’s not us. Everybody, I know the assumption, but I think we’re pretty locked in (with our drivers).”
Rahal’s comments suggest that RLL’s driver lineup is stable for 2026, making a move there for Power improbable despite mutual interest.
Will Power’s Performance and Team Penske’s Direction in 2025
Will Power has been Team Penske’s standout driver this season, currently holding sixth place in the IndyCar points standings with two races remaining. By contrast, his teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden rank 11th and 18th, respectively, indicating Power’s value within the Penske team despite contract uncertainties.
Team Penske’s decision to potentially replace Power with David Malukas reflects a shifting strategy as they plan for the future. Power’s eagerness to secure a stable drive for 2026 comes at a critical time for both the driver and his current team.
The Significance of Potential Changes Ahead of the 2026 Season
The expected move of Will Power to Andretti Global represents a major development in the ongoing reshuffling within IndyCar. With teams investing heavily in securing top talent, Power’s transfer could affect the competitive balance, particularly at Andretti Global, which already fields strong drivers on high salaries.
The possible displacement of Marcus Ericsson highlights the tough choices teams face when managing contracts and driver performance. For Power, joining Andretti Global could offer a financially rewarding and competitive environment, preserving his presence among IndyCar’s elite.
As the 2025 season closes, attention will turn to how these negotiations unfold and which drivers secure their seats for the following year, shaping the dynamics of IndyCar racing in 2026 and beyond.
