Will Power’s IndyCar contract renewal timeline remains uncertain as discussions with Team Penske are expected to stretch beyond the current season. The two-time champion is in the final year of his deal, and team owner Roger Penske has postponed any decision until after the August 31 season finale in Nashville, citing numerous priorities demanding his attention.
Power understands the delay and acknowledges the challenges Penske faces, emphasizing his commitment to the sport and team despite the ongoing uncertainty. The 2018 Indy 500 winner expressed his determination to continue driving for Team Penske, highlighting his passion and extensive experience in IndyCar.
“He’s (Roger Penske) so busy. I think we won’t know until after the season if you think about what he’s got to do now. But you can’t lose focus. You’ve got to keep digging. I love this. I love driving, man. I love this sport, and I’m very good at it. I’ve done it a long time, so I want to keep doing it here.”
—Will Power, Two-time IndyCar Champion
Roger Penske’s name has recently been marred by controversies, which complicate contract talks. His team faced penalties at the 109th Indy 500 after Josef Newgarden and Will Power were pulled from qualifying due to illegal rear attenuators, resulting in last-row starts on May 25. This incident prompted Penske to replace senior management in the team’s IndyCar division, with new appointments still pending.
This marks the second scandal involving Team Penske in just over a year; the first was at the 2024 season opener in St. Petersburg, where both Newgarden and teammate Scott McLaughlin were disqualified for unauthorized use of the push-to-pass system, despite Newgarden winning the race. Additionally, Penske’s WEC team experienced disqualification at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after failing technical inspection post-qualifying, further hitting the team’s credibility.
Despite these challenges, Will Power has delivered strong performances this season, currently sitting fifth in the driver standings. He has emerged as Team Penske’s top competitor, outpacing teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, who hold eighth and eleventh positions respectively. His consistent form increases the likelihood of a contract renewal if the team moves forward based on performance.
Emerging Rivalry: David Malukas Eyes Future Seat at Team Penske
As the search for the 2026 Team Penske driver intensifies, young talent David Malukas is positioning himself as a significant contender for Will Power’s seat. The 23-year-old, currently racing for AJ Foyt Racing—an outfit with a technical partnership with Penske—has caught the attention of the team’s management.
According to IndyCar journalist Marshall Pruett, Malukas is already under a Penske contract, but remains temporarily assigned to AJ Foyt Racing’s No. 4 car. This arrangement suggests Penske is carefully assessing his potential before a possible promotion to the prestigious No. 12 seat, with a timeline that could align with or come shortly after the 2026 season.
Nonetheless, Roger Penske indicated in May that Will Power remains the frontrunner to keep his current role, joined by teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin, both secured with multi-year agreements. Malukas’s results so far have shown promise but lack consistent high finishes, aside from his second-place at the 2025 Indy 500, which remains his standout achievement.
The Broader Impact of Penske’s Contract Delays and Team Challenges
The delay in Will Power’s IndyCar contract renewal underscores a period of turbulence and reevaluation for Team Penske. With recent scandals affecting the team’s reputation and leadership shake-ups in progress, the racing outfit faces pressure to stabilize and restore its competitive stature.
Power’s situation reflects the broader uncertainty the team confronts, as it balances maintaining veteran talent against introducing promising newcomers like Malukas. The outcome of these negotiations could influence Team Penske’s strategic direction for upcoming seasons and its ability to contend at the highest levels of IndyCar racing.
As the season finale in Nashville approaches, eyes remain on Roger Penske’s decisions, which will determine not only Power’s future but also the composition and competitiveness of one of IndyCar’s most storied teams moving forward.
