During the second practice session of the 2026 IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, Will Power, recently signed with Andretti Global, experienced his first crash for the team. The incident happened on the damp 1.8-mile, 14-turn track shortly after a rain delay, as Power was the only driver to venture out immediately despite wet conditions. This crash stalled his preparations just days before his 45th birthday and the start of qualifying.
Challenging Track Conditions and Driver Isolation Lead to Power’s Off-Track Incident
IndyCar had delayed Practice 2 for nearly 20 minutes due to wet weather, causing a cautious start from all drivers except Power. With only a partially formed dry line on the circuit, the Australian had limited traction on his out lap while running on primary, harder tires. Approaching Turn 10, a left-hander at the end of the back straight, Power locked his left front tire on the slippery surface, causing him to lose control and crash into the barriers. Damage to the car included a compromised right steering arm and front wing.
Former Drivers Criticize Crash as a Rookie-Level Error Amid Technical Difficulties
Former IndyCar competitor and FOX commentator Townsend Bell described the mishap bluntly, stating,
“Something you’d see from a rookie.”
Fellow commentator James Hinchcliffe echoed this perspective moments later with the remark, “Such a rookie move.” Despite their critique, both hinted that ongoing braking troubles Power faced during previous sessions might have contributed to the accident.
Will Power Details Tire Locking and Braking Problems Behind the Practice Crash
Power revealed that his crash was linked to braking complications experienced during Practice 1, his initial outing with Andretti Global. Speaking with FOX’s Kevin Lee while leaving the medical center, Power explained,
“Just locked a front. I mean, I wasn’t even braking late. We had a lot of locking issues yesterday, so we changed brakes and were hoping to fix the issue.”
He added that the front tires seemed especially susceptible to locking due to these troubles, acknowledging the crash was an untimely setback:
“So maybe that was some of it, but not ideal. Last thing we needed with all the things we had going yesterday.”
Impact of Crash Seen in Practice Numbers and Team Strategy Moving Forward
Power’s braking woes and crash limited his ability to gather data during Practice 1, forcing him to rely on teammates’ information for qualifying. He admitted the situation was far from optimal.
“I had no option but to run what they got, which we were doing today. So yeah, not ideal man. I feel bad for the team, to put us in this position. But it is what it is. Try and our best and see if we can get halfway up there or something,”
Power said. While Power placed 18th-fastest in Practice 1, his Andretti Global teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson were notably faster, ranking third and fifth respectively.
Implications of the Crash for Will Power and the Andretti Global Team
This rookie-like crash during a critical practice session underscores the pressure on Power as he adjusts to a new team and contends with mechanical difficulties. The incident compounds the challenges facing Andretti Global early in the season, as they seek to support their veteran driver through a rough start. Power’s experience and resilience will be crucial to recovering lost ground ahead of qualifying and race day. The team will likely focus on resolving braking issues and optimizing tire performance to avoid further setbacks in upcoming sessions at St. Petersburg.
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