Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has highlighted an increase in aggressive driving styles among racers since the 2025 Indy 500. He observed that many drivers have adopted a much wilder approach on the track, contributing to heightened tensions and crashes during recent events.
The 2025 Indy 500, held on May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was marked by multiple crashes that prevented several drivers from finishing the 200-lap race. This turbulent race appears to have set a tone for the season, as subsequent Grand Prix races have featured increasingly intense competition and collisions.
The Grand Prix of Portland provided a clear example of this heightened aggression when Conor Daly of Juncos Hollinger Racing collided with barriers following a fierce battle with Christian Rasmussen from Ed Carpenter Racing. Such incidents have become more common as the season progresses.
Examining the Rise in Track Aggression Since Indianapolis 500
During episode 186 of the Speed Street podcast, Conor Daly questioned Will Power about the noticeable increase in on-track altercations after the Indy 500. Daly said,
“It seems like everyone’s racing either tougher or, little bit wilder. What do you think changed from the beginning of the year, let’s say Indy on? Driving standards have changed a bit.”
—Conor Daly, Driver
Power responded with his perspective on the shift in driving behavior, explaining that the aggressive style caught him off guard, particularly during the Portland race. He said,
“Yeah, it did baffle me, I thought about that at Portland. This is a good chance to go full gree because you know, we had been doing that at the beginning of the year. Yellow after yellow after yellow, and I’m like, it surprised me. Like, man, yeah, it’s hard to say like, you think people driving more aggressive, I was put in the wall in Toronto by Pato, just got a bit loose, hit my wheel ot of my hand.”
—Will Power, IndyCar Champion
Furthermore, Power acknowledged the uncertain nature of this aggression increase, noting,
“It’s a tough one to say that everyone’s stepped up the aggression.”
—Will Power, IndyCar Champion
Despite the tension on the track, Will Power managed to secure Team Penske‘s first Grand Prix victory of the 2025 IndyCar season at the recent Portland race, underlining his continued competitiveness amid the escalating intensity.
Will Power Faces Contract Uncertainty Amid Rising Pressure
Besides commenting on the change in driving styles, Will Power is also dealing with personal pressure related to his future with Team Penske. As the 2025 IndyCar season advances, he has yet to sign a contract extension for 2026, which has been a significant source of stress for him.
Prior to the Portland race, Power openly discussed his anxiety about this unresolved situation, saying,
“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll know until after the end of, or during the weekend in Nashville. No. I just want to know to be honest. I would like to know what I’m doing. That would be nice, that’s sort of the stress will be off me, you know, where am I driving? Am I driving at all?”
—Will Power, IndyCar Champion
Having competed in the highest tier of American open-wheel racing since 2008, Power, now 44 years old, continues to show determination to remain in the sport. His last championship title came relatively recently in 2022, demonstrating that despite the uncertainty, he remains a top contender in IndyCar.
The Impact of Increased Aggression and Contract Ambiguity on IndyCar Racing
The noticeable rise in Will Power IndyCar driving aggression since the 2025 Indy 500 has introduced a more volatile and unpredictable atmosphere on the racetrack, often resulting in more crashes and fierce competition. This change has tested drivers‘ skills and patience, while intensifying rivalries across the field.
At the same time, Power’s contract uncertainty highlights underlying pressures experienced by veteran drivers balancing their careers and team commitments. As the season continues, the resolution of Power’s contract situation and the evolving racing conduct could significantly influence team strategies and driver performances in upcoming races like Nashville’s Grand Prix.
Ultimately, the stronger driving tactics and ongoing contractual negotiations reveal the high stakes and complex dynamics shaping the 2025 IndyCar season, with lasting implications for both the sport’s competitive edge and its key figures.
