David Malukas has emerged as a rising talent in the 2025 IndyCar season, putting pressure on the renewal of Will Power IndyCar contract renewal uncertainty with Team Penske. As Power’s current agreement expires at the season’s end, renewed discussions have yet to materialize, creating tension around the future lineup for one of IndyCar’s leading teams.
AJ Foyt Racing and Team Penske strengthened ties with a technical partnership last year, allowing them to share critical performance data. This alliance gives Team Penske direct insight into Malukas’ progression, who drives for AJ Foyt Racing. This growing connection means Penske is closely monitoring Malukas’ performances alongside Power, setting the stage for a difficult decision for the team.</p>
Negotiations around Will Power’s contract remain unresolved
Will Power, who joined Team Penske years ago, sees his current contract set to conclude after the 2025 season. Recently, the Australian partnered with A14 Management, managed by Fernando Alonso’s team, to oversee his contract negotiations. Oriol Servia is leading the discussions on Power’s behalf, but no official renewal offer has yet been made by Team Penske.
Despite Power’s expectation that a contract extension would be offered considering his strong recent form, Team Penske has not confirmed any renewal timeline. However, Team Penske owner Roger Penske emphasized that Power remains the top candidate for the team’s 2026 plans.
“At the moment, we feel confident that he will be back. …He’s at the top of the list as far as what we might do next year,” said Roger Penske
In parallel, Power has acknowledged that while he awaits an official proposal from Team Penske, other teams have expressed interest in signing him for the upcoming season.
“I have to wait, but it doesn’t stop teams from (approaching). I can’t help if someone comes up to me and says, ‘We’re very interested in you for next year.’ It’s like, ‘OK, I can’t say anything, but fine.’ That happens”
David Malukas’ career rebound fuels his potential to join Team Penske
After signing with Arrow McLaren for the 2024 season, David Malukas faced setbacks from a biking accident that sidelined him due to wrist injuries. Subsequently, Arrow McLaren released him, and Malukas joined Meyer Shank Racing for the remainder of that season. Despite limited peak performance at MSR, AJ Foyt Racing recruited him for the 2025 season, where he began demonstrating notable promise.
Although Malukas initially struggled in the first three races of 2025, he showed remarkable speed in qualifying, making it into the Top 12 twice. Meanwhile, Will Power did not achieve similar qualification success during the same period. Malukas’ true breakthrough came at the prestigious Indy 500, starting 7th and securing a podium finish.
His momentum continued at the Detroit Grand Prix, where Malukas earned pole position in qualifying but was hindered by untimely caution flags during the race, preventing a strong finish. This mix of results has kept him on the radar of major IndyCar teams, including Team Penske.
Team Penske faces a critical choice between established experience and emerging talent
Will Power remains one of Team Penske’s most successful drivers, capturing the IndyCar championship in 2022 and currently ranked 5th in the standings. His experience and past achievements hold significant weight in negotiations. However, younger drivers like Scott McLaughlin have led Penske’s championship efforts since Power’s title season.
Power, now 44 years old, contrasts sharply with Malukas, who is just 23 and rapidly gaining attention as a promising prospect for the team’s future. Team Penske’s dilemma revolves around balancing the veteran expertise of Power with the opportunity to secure Malukas, who could serve as a long-term asset.
The team‘s decision will be crucial: renewing Power’s contract maintains continuity and championship pedigree, while choosing Malukas could future-proof the squad with young talent. If Power remains with Penske but Malukas signs elsewhere, the team risks missing out on a driver rapidly proving his worth at the highest levels.
The implications for Team Penske and the IndyCar landscape
The outcome of these contract negotiations will shape Team Penske’s competitive outlook for the coming years. Holding on to Power will reinforce experience, but incorporating Malukas might inject fresh energy and data insights from their AJ Foyt Racing alliance.
As the 2025 season progresses toward its conclusion, Team Penske’s decision will reveal how the organization prioritizes performance, youth development, and legacy, influencing driver market dynamics across the IndyCar series. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch this high-stakes negotiation, knowing it could redefine the team’s composition and strategy for future championships.
