Will Power’s high-profile move from Team Penske to Andretti Global, confirmed in September 2025, marks one of the most significant driver changes in recent INDYCAR SERIES history. The Will Power Andretti move not only ends his 17-season tenure with Roger Penske’s renowned team but also sets up major changes for the 2025 and 2026 racing seasons.
Power’s Departure Sparks Speculation and Surprise
Rumors of Will Power leaving Team Penske circulated throughout much of the 2025 season, generating widespread discussion among the paddock and fans alike. On September 3, it became official that Power, a two-time series champion and winner of the 2018 Indianapolis 500, would leave Team Penske to take over Andretti Global’s No. 26 Honda. This change filled the seat vacated by Colton Herta, who shifted to Andretti’s European racing operations. The news stunned the motorsports community, ending months of speculation about Power’s next chapter.
A Storied History With Team Penske
Will Power joined Roger Penske’s organization in 2009 as a temporary replacement for Helio Castroneves, who was sidelined due to legal issues at the time. Power quickly made an impact, driving Castroneves’ No. 3 car in St. Petersburg and securing a sixth-place finish. His performance in the second race at Long Beach—capturing pole position and finishing second—solidified his place within Team Penske. While he did not compete in every event that year, Power’s strong showings earned him a full-time seat for 2010.
From 2010 onward, Power became synonymous with Team Penske’s Verizon-sponsored car. He amassed 42 victories with the organization, making him the winningest driver in Penske history. Notably, he secured his final win for the team at Portland International Raceway in August 2025. The writing was on the wall at that point, with the official announcement of his future with Andretti Global following shortly thereafter.
During his lengthy career with Team Penske, Power managed to win at least one race every year except 2023, a season marked by personal challenges as his wife, Liz, battled serious illness. Reflecting on these years, Power commented,
“It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization,”
expressing deep gratitude for his teammates and the team’s support—Will Power, Driver.
A New Era Begins with Andretti Global
The move to Andretti Global will officially begin for Power on January 1. Bringing with him more than two decades of INDYCAR SERIES experience and championships from both 2014 and 2022, Power is expected to be a formidable addition to the team. He holds 45 career victories, 71 career poles—a series record—and is ranked fourth on the all-time wins list. In over 300 starts, Power has surpassed 5,000 laps led and sits fourth in both overall podium finishes (108) and top-five finishes (142).
This next phase pairs Power with new teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson, cementing Andretti Global’s roster for the 2026 campaign. For many, including those within the sport, seeing Power in new colors after such a storied run with Team Penske remains almost surreal.
Power will join an experienced lineup, and the team will be looking to leverage his extensive time in the series, which began with stints at Team Australia and KV Racing Technology before his celebrated tenure at Penske.
Driver and Team Perspectives on the Transition
Reflecting on his decision, Power offered insight into the motivations behind this major career move:
“We have accomplished so much together, and I will always be grateful for my time with the team and my teammates who have supported me along the way. After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time”
—Will Power, Driver. Looking ahead to his new challenge, Power added,
“This is a whole new chapter for me,”
and stated,
“I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.”
—Will Power, Driver.
The Road Ahead for Power and INDYCAR
As Will Power joins Andretti Global, the implications for both the team and the INDYCAR SERIES are profound. Power’s skills, championship experience, and determination are expected to be instrumental as Andretti Global pursues further success in the coming seasons. With new teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson, the team is set for a refreshed challenge against fierce competition. The Will Power Andretti move, already regarded as one of the defining moments in recent series history, will be closely watched when the racing calendar resumes and the next chapter officially begins.
