Will Power claimed victory at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland on Sunday, highlighting a strong performance for Team Penske, yet uncertainty remains around his Team Penske IndyCar future beyond this year. As Power celebrated his second consecutive win at Portland International Raceway, neither he nor the newly promoted Team Penske President Jonathan Diuguid could provide clarity about next season or whether Power will return to the team in 2026.
Uncertainty Surrounds Power’s Position at Team Penske
Despite the impressive win, Will Power expressed doubt about his prospects with the team following 2025. When pressed by reporters if this latest result might secure his Team Penske IndyCar future, Power replied,
I have no clue. I don’t know. Yeah, nothing else to say, man. I don’t know,
—Will Power, driver. The uncertainty was mirrored by Team Penske President Jonathan Diuguid, who told reporters,
Look, I’m not going to discuss that today. I’m going to focus on the win, the team performance. Winning can do a lot of things. It’s very positive for our program. We’re going to reap all the benefits of that as we head to Milwaukee.
—Jonathan Diuguid, Team Penske President. Power’s future with the team has been a topic of intense interest as he is one of the most accomplished drivers still active in the NTT IndyCar Series.
Power’s Win Earns Respect Across the Paddock
Power’s credentials in IndyCar are extensive, with 45 career victories placing him fourth on the all-time wins list, two series championships (2014, 2022), and a win at the prestigious 2018 Indianapolis 500. Should Team Penske and Power part ways, his standing virtually guarantees interest from other teams. His victory at Portland was met with widespread approval among his colleagues, highlighting the respect he commands throughout the series. Power reflected,
Both teammates came up, all the engineers, all the crews came up. As I drove down pit lane, many teams happy to see us get a win,
—Will Power, driver. He also commented on the sense of community within the sport,
I think what’s happened to the team this year, probably the situation I’m in, as well. It’s a tight-knit community, the IndyCar paddock. It really is,
—Will Power, driver. Over the years, Power has built enduring friendships and professional relationships throughout the paddock. He added,
I have to say I really have got to know a lot of people from every team in the paddock. I have so many friends in that paddock, I feel like, to have done this for this long and know that many good people. Everyone looks out for each other even though we compete against each other. Nice feeling.
—Will Power, driver.
Racing Strategy and Strong Performance
Sunday’s approach at Portland International Raceway allowed Power to maximize his capabilities on track. He explained,
a nice day, because I got to push as hard as I could for the whole race, which usually that’s fuel save. I was glad my engineer picked that strategy. He was going to pit me. Then he said to stay out, to be a leader. Had faith that I’d had a lot of pace. It’s a Team Penske-type day, man. When we’re put in the position, we can win. It’s obviously been a rough year on many fronts. Yeah, very nice to get a win.To me it was business as normal, honestly. I’ve been in that position so many times in my career,
—Will Power, driver. Power’s performance reflects his ongoing commitment to excellence and a determination to continue racing at a high level. He pointed out that his drive and skills remain sharp, suggesting he has no plans to slow down any time soon.
Context in the 2023 IndyCar Season
This year’s IndyCar season has featured fierce competition, with Alex Palou clinching his fourth championship title. Against such a backdrop, Power’s resilience and ability to secure consecutive wins at Portland keep him prominent in the conversation about top competitors and team strategies for future seasons. Team Penske’s decision-making process regarding Power’s contract will likely influence broader moves across the field as teams look to solidify their driver lineups.
What the Future Holds for Team and Driver
As the season progresses, Team Penske and Power remain under close observation, especially with uncertainty about Power’s contract status and the team’s plans for future years. The outcome could reshape both Power’s trajectory and broader team strategies within the IndyCar Series. With Milwaukee up next, all eyes will be on whether continued success influences decisions at Team Penske and if Power’s achievements secure his place with the organization—or prompt new opportunities elsewhere in the paddock. The question of Team Penske IndyCar future, particularly regarding a driver of Power’s caliber, continues to spark intense debate and enthusiasm throughout the motorsports community.
