Will Power, a two-time IndyCar champion and the all-time leader in series pole positions, has announced his departure from Team Penske after 17 years. This announcement on Tuesday leaves Power without a confirmed seat in the 2026 IndyCar season, making his future in the series uncertain. Power’s exit concludes one of IndyCar’s most successful driver-team partnerships.
Power’s Impressive Career Achievements with Team Penske
During his time with Team Penske, Power secured 42 wins, tying him for fourth in career wins with Michael Andretti within the team and placing him fourth all-time in IndyCar wins with 45. His two championships include a notable title in 2022, marking Team Penske’s most recent series championship. Power has consistently won races in nearly every season he competed for the team, including a victory at Portland this year. That win was Team Penske’s lone victory until teammate Josef Newgarden ended the drought with a win in Nashville. Power was a contender in that Nashville race as well but suffered a costly pit stop under caution that left him several laps behind.
Speculation Surrounding Power’s Replacement by David Malukas
Throughout the 2025 season, rumors circulated that Team Penske planned to replace Power with David Malukas, a young driver from the Penske-affiliated AJ Foyt Racing team. Malukas, who had a stint signed to McLaren before being dropped without racing, has competed for three different teams across his four IndyCar seasons. His record includes three podium finishes and five top-five placements, all achieved on oval tracks.
Potential Moves for Power in 2026
As Power remains a free agent without a confirmed ride, speculation about his next destination has increased. One possibility reported by the Indy Star involves Power joining Andretti Global’s TWG Motorsports operation, opening a potential blockbusting transfer of Colton Herta to Formula 2 with a future move to the TWG-owned Cadillac Formula 1 team. Given Power’s stature as a former champion and recent race winner, it is expected he will find opportunities to continue racing in IndyCar beyond his time at Team Penske.
Upcoming IndyCar Season and Timeline for Decisions
The 2026 IndyCar schedule is yet to be finalized but is anticipated to begin with the traditional street race in St. Petersburg on March 1st. This timeline provides Power and Team Penske with less than six months to finalize their respective plans for the upcoming season.
