Will Power, the two-time IndyCar series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, recently addressed speculation about his split from Team Penske, emphasizing that there is no animosity between him and his former boss Roger Penske as he embarks on a new chapter with Andretti Global. At age 44, Power remains highly competitive and focused on his future, with the transition involving teammates Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood and the integration of new technology partnerships.
Last Visit to Team Penske Marked by Thoughtful Gesture
After his departure from Team Penske, Power was surprised by a commemorative plaque presented by his longtime colleagues at the Penske shop, symbolizing their years together and his connection to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Although Roger Penske did not sign the plaque, Power clarified that this was not a slight:
“Everyone on the team signed it, except Roger,”
he said during his annual IndyCar Content Days interview.
“Maybe they didn’t get it to him.”
He assured that Penske’s absence from the autograph signing was not intentional, stating,
“He didn’t say, ‘No, I’m not signing it.’ I just want to clear that up. He did not say, I’m not signing it.”
In a lighthearted tone directed at the media, Power remarked,
“I know what you guys are like, it’s like, ‘oh, it’ll be a headline!’”
Understanding the Circumstances of the Penske Split
Power recounted a hypothetical conversation with Roger Penske about the plaque to illustrate the situation’s misunderstandings: Penske would ask about the plaque’s status, and Power would respond it was a media-driven issue, not personal. Initially, Power had intended to take the plaque to Daytona during the Rolex 24 Hours race, where he competed for the 75 Express team in the GTD Pro category, and hoped to get Penske’s signature there.
Reflecting on his 17-year tenure with Team Penske, which resulted in 42 of his 45 victories and 71 pole positions—an IndyCar record—Power expressed gratitude despite the difficult parting.
“The relationship is good. I’ll always be grateful for what he did for my career and what he’s done for the sport,”
Power said. He explained that Penske had offered him a one-year contract extension late in the process, but Power wanted a longer-term deal and desired to challenge himself with another team.
“Man, Roger gave me a great career. They just had this situation—he offered me a year. It wasn’t like, ‘You’re not coming back.’ He offered me to come back. But pretty far down the road at that point,”
Power added.
Respect Endures Amid New Rivalry
Power emphasized his continuing respect for Roger Penske and the entire organization while asserting his competitive spirit:
“I’d definitely like to beat him, but I want to beat everyone. We’ve got to go out and win races.”
Regarding the plaque, he promised,
“I’ll get him to sign the plaque.”
Adjusting to Life at Andretti Global
Power described his adjustment to Andretti Global as seamless, noting that the change feels like “business as normal” focused purely on competition. Adapting from Chevrolet to Honda and from Penske to Andretti did not distract him.
“You’re in a team. You’re trying to get the most out of the car and working closely with the engineers. You’re on the Honda sim, all the same stuff. You’re not really distracted by ‘I wonder what they’re doing at Penske’ or ‘It’s strange.’ Not that difficult. It’s just a part of my life now.”
However, old habits lingered. When arriving for IndyCar Content Days in Indianapolis, Power almost reached for the Verizon-branded driver suit, now worn by David Malukas, before realizing the change.
Innovating with AI Through New Sponsorships
One highlight of this new chapter is Power’s partnership with TWG AI, the new marketing partner for the No. 26 Honda, taking over from Colton Herta‘s seat. This collaboration aims to use artificial intelligence to enhance race preparation, strategy, and execution. Power is set to play a central role in
“translating intelligence into outcomes, integrating real-time insight, predictive modeling, and continuous feedback”
during races.
In a press release, Power stressed the importance of making flawless decisions during racing moments:
“Racing is about making the right decisions at the right moment, with no margin for hesitation. The partnership with TWG AI is focused on building intelligence that actually fits how we race. We can embed intelligence into every competitive decision we make and create tools that help the team perform when it matters most.”
Although specific details remain under wraps, Power revealed that TWG AI representatives have been actively collaborating with engineers to develop programs that streamline decision-making.
“We’re definitely going to utilize our relationship with them, trying to create some good programs for the engineers to be able to understand what direction to go very quickly,”
he said.
“But I can’t go into too much detail of what that entails, but it’s very good stuff.”
Renewed Motivation Fuels Power’s Continued Competitiveness
At 44, rumors about Power’s possible retirement have circulated, but his passion remains strong.
“I just love competing. I love doing this. It’s really enjoyable. I’ve got a ton of experience. It would be a pity to stop when you’re really still on top of your game,”
he said.
“A lot of work, 20 years of work, 20 years of IndyCar racing and still able to win races and poles. It’s just very difficult to do in this series. That’s sort of why I keep going.”
Power has already participated in one test session with his new Andretti race car and plans to attend upcoming tests at Phoenix Raceway and Sebring, Florida.
“Yeah, can’t wait to get in the car, get on track when everyone else is there. Definitely had a huge list of things that we want to test. I think we’ll make a nice jump. I think we’ve got some really good stuff,”
he said confidently.
What This Means for IndyCar and Power’s Future
Will Power’s move to Andretti Global represents a significant shift within IndyCar, injecting new energy and experience into the team. His open-mindedness towards innovation, including AI integration, signals a forward-thinking approach that may influence competitive strategies across the sport. The respectful yet competitive dynamic between Power and Team Penske adds a compelling narrative to the season ahead.
Power’s story also reflects the changing landscape of professional racing, where longevity and adaptation are vital. With new technologies and partnerships shaping race-day decisions, Power’s ongoing engagement and expertise will likely keep him a formidable contender on the track. Fans and competitors alike will watch closely as he pursues victories in his new colors while aiming to surpass past achievements.
