Will Power prepares to enter the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES with renewed focus, having made a significant team change. After spending the majority of his career with Team Penske, Power has now aligned with Andretti Global, signaling a fresh pursuit of success in his continued IndyCar journey.
Throughout 2025, Power debated his future in racing. Although he desired to stay with Team Penske, the familiar organization he has been part of since 2009, an extended contract offer did not come promptly. Once the offer appeared, Power had already entered talks with Andretti Global, leading to a pivotal shift in his career path.
Reflecting on Past Success and New Aspirations
Power spent the initial stages of his career with Team Australia and KV Racing Technology before embarking on a long tenure with Team Penske where he achieved the majority of his achievements. Out of 45 career victories, 42 came while driving for Penske, including his 2018 Indianapolis 500 triumph, as well as 65 of his record 71 pole positions.
“I wanted to know what I could do on another team,”
Power stated. “Roger (Penske) 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 I was pretty far down the road with Andretti Global at that point. The relationship is good. I’ll always be grateful for what he (Penske) did for my career and what he’s done for the sport. I was lucky to drive there for that long, and I could have continued, but I wanted a longer-term contract.”
Chasing New Achievements with Andretti Global
Power is a two-time series champion, winning titles with Team Penske in 2014 and 2022. Now, he aims to bring Andretti Global its fifth championship and first since Ryan Hunter-Reay narrowly claimed the title in 2012 by just three points ahead of Power. This new venture offers Power the chance to prove himself beyond his longtime home team.
The 2026 race calendar includes key street circuits favoring Power’s strengths, such as the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1 and the debut Java House Grand Prix of Arlington on March 15. Power’s record includes 16 wins on street courses, with a notable victory at St. Petersburg in 2010 and multiple top finishes, including a runner-up place in 2024.
“In the early part of the season, there are tracks that really suit that car,”
Power remarked. “I expect other people will work on that in the offseason and close the gap, but we’re going to close the gap in other areas, as well.”
“Over the whole season, I feel like we should have a championship-contending car. I don’t see anyone standing out except (Alex) Palou. It’s not even the team standing out – it was one guy extracting the most out of his car. If you took him out of the equation, it’s not like the other Ganassi guys were as dominant as he was.”
Focused on Milestones and Team Dynamics
A key motivation behind Power’s desire for a long-term deal is reaching 50 career wins, a milestone that only A.J. Foyt and Scott Dixon have surpassed among IndyCar drivers. Currently at 45 victories, Power believes this goal remains attainable with consistent performance.
That’s the goal, Power said.
“To get to 50 would be very nice. That’s possible, too. Get three or four wins in a year, and you’re right there.”
Since joining Andretti Global, Power’s dedication and engagement have been evident to his teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson. Ericsson highlighted Power’s technical acumen and approachable demeanor, emphasizing the value he brings to the team.
“I don’t know how many hours we’ve been on the phone already,”
Ericsson commented. “He’s a funny guy. He’s a lot more technical than I expected. I guess that’s why he’s been doing it for so long and is still so good at it.”
“He’ll call me up randomly and just start talking. I’ll be like, ‘Hey, I’m out for dinner,’ and he just keeps talking. He’s a funny guy, but I learn a lot from him.”
“The cool thing is he comes in with so much experience. He’s 44, has been doing this for 20-plus years, but he’s still as hungry as ever. For the team, it’s going to be great to have him. The lineup with me, Kyle and Will feels super strong.”
What This Move Means for the 2026 Season
Will Power’s switch to Andretti Global signals a significant shake-up in the IndyCar landscape, injecting new competition into the fight for 2026 supremacy. His broad experience, street racing prowess, and hunger for milestone wins provide Andretti Global with a strong contender to challenge familiar rivals like Alex Palou and Ganassi.
With early races suited to his strengths, Power has the opportunity to impress immediately and drive Andretti Global toward its first title in over a decade. This fresh chapter represents not only a personal journey for Power but also a potential turning point in the upcoming season’s championship battle.
