Will Power’s struggle with Team Penske reliability and Will Power continued at Iowa Speedway this weekend, as an engine failure in Race 2 halted his strong run and raised new doubts about his future with the team. Despite a history of dominance, Power finds himself battling technical setbacks and contract uncertainty, which are casting a shadow over his championship ambitions.
Will Power’s Recent Setbacks Highlight Persistent Technical Issues
Widely recognized as one of IndyCar’s fastest qualifiers, Will Power has accumulated numerous pole positions and race wins since joining Team Penske in 2009, including two championship titles and a coveted victory at the Indy 500. He notably disrupted Alex Palou’s bid for consecutive championships by clinching his own second drivers’ crown in 2022. However, the current season has been plagued with difficulties for the Australian driver, as multiple retirements have undermined his campaign.
The struggles began at the season opener in St. Petersburg and intensified with an engine failure after only 11 laps at Mid-Ohio. Those same reliability problems resurfaced at Iowa Speedway’s Race 2, leading to another premature exit after a podium finish the day before. Power reflected candidly on his mounting frustration:
“Same as Mid-Ohio, some kind of engine failure… We improved upon yesterday, felt like we would have had a good race. Obviosuly, you never know what can happen, something did happen. But, ah man, pity. We keep giving away days so we have a car to win. Yeah, just had those seasons I guess; not much we can do.”
—Will Power, Driver
More concerning for Power is his contract status; he remains the only member of the Team Penske trio yet to secure a deal beyond the 2025 season, leaving him in a precarious position amid ongoing technical troubles.
Team Penske Faces Unfamiliar Reliability Struggles
While Team Penske has long been a powerhouse in the IndyCar series, their 2025 campaign has been beset by rare reliability woes. All three drivers have suffered significant setbacks, collectively amassing a dozen retirements across the first twelve race weekends—an average of one failed finish per event. This pattern has substantially limited the team’s competitiveness, with technical failings often derailing promising runs.
The consequences are particularly acute for Will Power, as these mechanical frailties coincide with crucial contract negotiations. Power’s pursuit of an extension has been complicated by these recurring retirements, hindering his ability to deliver results just as his future with the squad hangs in the balance.
Contract Delays Add to Power’s Uncertainty
After the Detroit Grand Prix, Power took the matter of his contract extension directly to Roger Penske, hoping for clarity. However, his attempts at resolution were postponed, deepening his sense of uncertainty about his trajectory within the organization. Reflecting on the situation with Motorsportweek, Power explained his position:
“Probably, it has probably pushed their decision a little further down the road. I met with Roger [Penske] after Detroit, he said then it would be August for us to reconvene. It’s still going to be late, maybe even after the season. I don’t have any clue what the scenarios are. I haven’t been told anything. All I’ve been told is ‘We’ll talk in August.’ That’s it.”
—Will Power, Driver
Despite these setbacks, Will Power remains the leading Team Penske driver in the championship standings, demonstrating resilience amid formidable personal and professional adversity.
What Comes Next for Will Power and Team Penske?
The intersection of Team Penske reliability and Will Power’s contract situation is shaping the narrative for the remainder of the season. As breakdowns persist and uncertainty mounts, the Australian’s future with the Mooresville-based powerhouse is far from certain. The upcoming races—and the results they bring—may prove decisive in determining whether Power remains a central figure at Team Penske or if the long-standing partnership edges toward a difficult conclusion.
