With just three races left in the 2025 IndyCar season, the spotlight is on the Team Penske 2025 IndyCar contract decision as Will Power, a mainstay veteran and top-performing driver, remains without a secured seat for next year. This uncertainty at Team Penske is setting off speculation and anticipation across the paddock, as a change in Power’s situation could trigger a series of moves reminiscent of the F1 driver market shake-up when Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari.
Will Power Awaits Critical Team Penske Decision
Will Power, aged 44, faces the expiration of his current Team Penske contract at the end of this season, making his future one of the most talked-about subjects in IndyCar. Despite his status as the highest-ranked Penske driver in the standings, his seat is yet to be confirmed for 2026. Power engaged Fernando Alonso’s management firm, A14 Management, earlier this year, with Oriol Servia managing negotiations on his behalf. Roger Penske commented on the situation earlier in the year:
“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
The lack of a resolution, with the season rapidly concluding, leaves room for various outcomes, potentially impacting the wider grid.
Paddock Buzz Intensifies as Teams and Drivers Consider Their Options
The potential departure of Power from Team Penske has drivers and teams across the series evaluating their own futures, creating a “silly season” atmosphere. David Malukas, currently racing for AJ Foyt Racing—an organization with technical ties to Team Penske—has emerged as a topic of interest. The 23-year-old stands tenth in the championship with a string of impressive performances, fueling speculation about his fit for a Penske seat. Responding to the circulating rumors about a possible Team Penske interest, Malukas offered his thoughts:
“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, AJ Foyt Racing Driver
Meanwhile, if Power decides to join another team like AFR or sit the season out, the “silly season” could reach new levels of unpredictability as teams scramble to adjust lineups and fill open seats.
Possible Contenders for the Coveted Penske Seat
Conor Daly has weighed in on the debate, naming Rinus VeeKay as a serious candidate for the likely Team Penske opening. VeeKay, having concluded a five-year stint with ECR and recently signing with DCR for 2025, enhanced his reputation with a podium finish at the Indy Toronto race. When asked about his future amid the latest speculation, VeeKay acknowledged the current state of unrest:
“I think we’re all waiting for Will Power to make his move. That’s gonna shuffle the board game.” —Rinus VeeKay, DCR Driver
The ripple effects of Power’s decision could extend far beyond Team Penske, forcing teams to quickly adapt as opportunities emerge and disappear.
Attention Turns to Rising Stars and New Opportunities
Beyond established names, the dynamic IndyCar landscape is also opening doors for emerging talent. Norwegian driver Dennis Hauger, after three seasons competing in Formula 2, joined Indy NXT for the 2024 season and immediately made an impact. With five wins and three second-place finishes from eleven races, Hauger has positioned himself as a prime candidate for future opportunities, including possibly stepping in if Colton Herta leaves Andretti Global IndyCar for the Cadillac F1 venture.
Implications for Teams and the Broader Motorsport Landscape
As the Team Penske 2025 IndyCar contract decision looms, the entire racing community waits to see how the dominoes will fall. With key figures such as Will Power, David Malukas, Rinus VeeKay, and Dennis Hauger potentially in play, team rosters across IndyCar could be reshaped, adjusting strategies and ambitions for the 2026 season. The outcome promises to influence the future of top organizations including AJ Foyt Racing, Andretti Global IndyCar, and DCR, not just Team Penske itself, as Portland and the final rounds approach.
