With just three races left in the 2025 IndyCar season, Will Power’s status remains uncertain as his contract with Team Penske expires at the end of the year. Despite being one of the sport’s seasoned drivers and currently the highest-ranked Penske driver in the standings, Power has yet to secure his seat for the upcoming season. This ongoing contract situation is generating waves across the IndyCar community, with the potential to reshape the driver lineup significantly.
Potential Grid-Wide Consequences Linked to Contract Outcome
If Team Penske decides not to renew Power’s deal, the impact on the driver market could be immense, drawing comparisons to last year’s dramatic shakeup in Formula 1 when Lewis Hamilton transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari. Power, aged 44, signed this year with Fernando Alonso’s A14 management, with Oriol Servia handling his contract negotiations. Although Roger Penske has expressed confidence that Power will return, talks are ongoing as the season draws to a close.
“His contract is up. He’s done a great job for us. We’re just looking at our options, and I’m sure he will, too. But at the moment, we feel confident that he will be back,” said Roger Penske earlier this season
Rising Talents Positioned to Benefit from the Situation
Among the contenders waiting in the wings is 23-year-old David Malukas of AJ Foyt Racing, a team which has formed a technical alliance with Team Penske. Malukas has impressed with his performance this season, currently sitting tenth in the standings. While he remains focused on his current team, rumors suggest Malukas is among those Penske is considering if Power’s contract falls through.
“I’ve had a mental coach training me to always stay and live in the present, and as of right now, I’m with the AJ Foyt team, and we’re focused on our successes and what we’ve accomplished so far this season.” —David Malukas
If Power were to move to AJ Foyt Racing or another team, the driver shuffle could intensify, leading to a ripple effect across the series.
Other Key Drivers Poised to Enter the Penske Seat Conversation
Conor Daly recently highlighted Rinus VeeKay as a strong candidate for the Team Penske seat. After spending five years at Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), VeeKay signed with DCR for the 2025 season and recently finished on the podium at the Indy Toronto race, showcasing his competitiveness. VeeKay himself acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Power’s decision.
“I think we’re all waiting for Will Power to make his move. That’s gonna shuffle the board game.” —Rinus VeeKay
Emerging Prospects Could Shake Up the IndyCar Lineup
Dennis Hauger, transitioning from three years in Formula 2 to Indy NXT in 2024, has displayed remarkable speed and consistency. With five wins and three second-place finishes in 11 races, his dominance marks him as a strong candidate for a promotion to IndyCar. If current Andretti Global driver Colton Herta leaves to join the Cadillac F1 team, Hauger is seen as a prime choice to step in, adding another layer of complexity to the shifting driver market.
Implications of Will Power’s Contract Decision for the 2025 Season
The resolution of Will Power’s Team Penske contract will be pivotal in determining the 2025 IndyCar driver lineup. His future will influence not only Team Penske’s strategy but also the movements of promising talents such as Malukas, VeeKay, and Hauger. As teams finalize their plans ahead of the final races, fans and insiders eagerly anticipate how these negotiations might reshape the competitive landscape for the upcoming season.
