Since officially joining Andretti Global on January 1 after completing his contract with Team Penske, two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has already started shaping his new role within the team. The 44-year-old Australian driver took part in a Firestone tire test on January 8 at the Phoenix Raceway, marking his first time driving the No. 26 Honda, a car previously piloted by Colton Herta for six years. This event also signaled a shift for Power, who ended an 18-year streak driving the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet.
Colton Herta, now racing full-time in Formula 2 and aiming for a future in Cadillac F1, revealed he has had several phone conversations with Power about the transition. Ahead of the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where both drivers will compete in separate categories with different teams, Herta shared insights on their exchanges.
“Yeah, it’s gone both ways,” the Cadillac F1 test driver said. “I called him after he did Phoenix, was really interested to see what he said, what the differences were between the Andretti and the Penske package. He brought up some points that were that I kind of wouldn’t have thought of in kind of things that he’s seen on Penske and then also Andretti.”
“I think he sees improvements from both teams. But he thought it was in a good spot, the car, and he was excited about it. So that made me excited. I hope he does well there,” Herta added.
Will Power’s Vision for Andretti Global’s Growth in IndyCar
Will Power’s move to Andretti Global is expected to significantly enhance the team’s overall competitiveness, particularly by combining his experience with the team’s existing strengths. Under the leadership of Dan Towriss, Andretti Global already excels on street circuits but has struggled to achieve consistent success on oval tracks.
Power spent 17 years with Roger Penske’s team, which has been dominant on ovals for a long time. Speaking at a recent press conference before the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Power emphasized how his knowledge of oval racing complements Andretti Global’s expertise on street courses, setting the stage for a stronger, more balanced team overall.
“Between my experience, and their experience, they’re very good on street courses,” said Power. “I think I have a feel for ovals and short ovals. Just based on their test, we got a really good direction. Really looking forward to it, I really am. I really believe this team will be the top team in the next three years.”
Looking Ahead to a New Era in IndyCar Racing
Power has signed a multi-year deal with Andretti Global starting in 2026, although the exact length of the contract remains undisclosed. Despite being in the latter stages of his racing career, the Australian’s performance has not diminished, and this partnership could mark his final chapter in IndyCar.
For Colton Herta, currently the 2024 IndyCar runner-up behind Alex Palou, this transition marks a step toward international racing opportunities as he pursues advancement within Formula 2. Meanwhile, Power’s presence at Andretti Global is set to strengthen the team’s championship aspirations, especially as they prepare for the 2026 season and beyond.
As Andretti Global blends Power’s oval expertise with its street circuit supremacy, the team aims to establish itself as a dominant force across all types of tracks, potentially reshaping the IndyCar landscape by 2029.
