Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has detailed the behind-the-scenes issues during his contract negotiations with Team Penske, which ultimately caused his departure. The Australian driver officially left the Penske organization on September 2, 2024, after months of speculation, shortly before confirming his move to Andretti Global for the 2026 season. The focus on the Will Power Team Penske contract exit sheds light on miscommunication and broken promises within the team’s management.
Power shared more on the topic during his interview on the
“Off Track with Hinch and Rossi”
podcast, hosted by James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi. He recalled a discussion with former Team Penske president Tim Cindric regarding contract extension expectations that were never met.
“I know when I signed my last contract, I did go back to Tim Cindric and say, ‘Hey, I would like to do three years’. We had a conversation, like, (he said), ‘We’ll talk at the end of ‘24 and if you’re still performing and still doing well, we’ll keep going,'” the 44-year-old shared.
—Will Power, IndyCar Driver
Strong Performance in 2024 Heightened Expectation and Disappointment
Despite the turning point with his contract talks, Will Power delivered an impressive 2024 campaign. He secured three race wins and was the only driver with a clear shot at the championship in the season finale, battling against Alex Palou. However, a seatbelt malfunction dramatically ended his chance at the title.
“Well, I won three races in ‘24. I was the only driver that went into the last race with a shot to win the championship against (Alex) Palou,” Power added. “At that point, I was like, ‘Well, I’m sure they’re going to speak to me in the off-season,’ and it never happened. They never actually said a word. I was pissed off going into May about it, I was pissed off going into the season about it. I was pissed off that they weren’t going to say anything.”
—Will Power, IndyCar Driver
The situation was further complicated by a lack of awareness from team owner Roger Penske. Power revealed Penske was not informed about the initial promise made by Cindric, deepening the confusion regarding his contract status.
“Roger wasn’t aware when I said that to him, something along the lines of that that was even the case. Maybe I should have just called Roger. I just thought, what driver in the field wouldn’t be signed after winning three races? The champion won two. That’s Palou. I won three. Come on,” Power concluded.
—Will Power, IndyCar Driver
Following the controversial Indy 500 scandal in May, Team Penske fired Tim Cindric along with two other senior executives, highlighting internal turmoil.
Victory at Portland Influenced Will Power’s Decision to Leave Team Penske
Will Power’s breakthrough at the 2025 IndyCar season came with a win at the Grand Prix of Portland, ending a difficult streak for Team Penske that had affected all its drivers. This victory marked his 45th career triumph overall, and his 42nd while racing with Penske.
That success prompted Power to reassess his future, leading him to decide he would part ways with the team after the 2025 season—closing a 17-year chapter with Penske.
“The time where I just said, ‘Nah, it’s done,’ was after I won Portland. Nah, it’s done. I think it’s time to change. That was when I just, in my mind, decided, I’m kind of sick of all the questions and so on,” the IndyCar veteran said.
—Will Power, IndyCar Driver
Though Penske’s senior management approached Power to discuss contract talks after his Portland victory, he declined, signaling his clear intention to move on. Meanwhile, negotiations with Andretti Global intensified for the 2026 season.
Transitioning to Andretti Global Following Colton Herta’s Departure
Colton Herta’s exit from the No. 26 Andretti Global Honda seat, as he moved toward a development role in Formula 1 with Cadillac, opened the door for Power’s arrival. Power has since signed a multi-year contract with Andretti Global, ensuring his place on the grid for 2026 and beyond.
This move marks a significant shift in Power’s career, as he leaves one of the most successful teams in IndyCar history, where he built a legacy spanning nearly two decades. His transition will likely impact both teams’ dynamics and adds a fresh chapter to his storied career in open-wheel racing.
