Team Penske faces a turning point after Will Power delivered a crucial victory in race 15 of 17, averting what would have been their first winless campaign since before 2000, yet raising fresh questions about the team‘s direction for the 2025 IndyCar season. With discussions swirling about Power’s future and persistent internal and external challenges, the focus now shifts to how the legendary squad navigates this period of crisis and renewal.
Unexpected Victory Halts Winless Streak
Team Penske endured a turbulent 2025, marred by a second major cheating scandal in as many years, frequent mechanical and strategy mishaps, and a series of unusual driver missteps at race tracks nationwide. Amid fears that the organization would complete the current IndyCar campaign without a single win, Will Power seized control at Portland International Raceway, crossing the finish line first and breaking the team’s long drought.
Throughout the year, Power maintained his position as Penske’s best performer in the championship standings but had rarely led laps. Entering the Portland event, only rookie Jacob Abel from Dale Coyne Racing had led fewer laps, putting into perspective just how little on-track dominance Penske displayed until that weekend. Power’s race day, however, was a turning point — after leading the field for 78 of 110 laps on the twisting Oregon circuit, he moved himself to sixth place in the overall points tally, marking his 16th winning season in the last 17 years with the series.
Lingering Uncertainty Surrounds Will Power’s Future
The aftermath of Power’s triumph immediately raised renewed speculation about his fate with the team. For months, insiders have suggested the 2025 season could be Power’s last with the No. 12 Chevrolet, and the tenor of his interviews after Portland only fueled rumors that his tenure was nearing an end. Observers noted that the narrative around Team Penske had swiftly shifted, turning the energy from avoiding a winless season to anxieties about the impending transition.
David Malukas Emerges as a Likely Successor
Reports indicate that Team Penske is closely linked with A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ driver David Malukas, who is rumored to be Roger Penske’s preferred choice for the future due to the technical partnership between their organizations. Malukas tested previously for Penske, and speculation grew after he arrived at Portland in a car carrying Gallagher branding, a prominent Penske sponsor. Malukas’ presence on the grid alongside Power became a focal point, especially as Power overtook and lapped him during the race while communicating with the team radio to defend his lead over rivals like Christian Lundgaard and Alex Palou.
Malukas has demonstrated promise, earning podium finishes each year he has contested full-time and most recently taking second at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 after missing the event in 2024. He currently sits 10th in the standings, ahead of his teammate Santino Ferrucci as well as Penske drivers Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden. Malukas’ consistent performances have added weight to the possibility of his move to Team Penske, especially as the team seeks to rebound from recent struggles.
Power Versus Youth: Team Faces Difficult Decisions
Will Power’s enduring form — underscored by the recent win — has sparked an internal debate about whether moving on from a proven veteran in favor of youthful talent truly serves Team Penske’s interests. Power is now the series’ second-longest-serving driver, trailing only New Zealander Scott Dixon, whose own career longevity is legendary. The situation puts the team in a position of having to choose between loyalty to a decorated driver and ushering in a new era led by emerging stars.
The potential replacement of Power is not seen as an indictment of his abilities, but as part of a wider industry trend favoring drivers with long potential career horizons. Nevertheless, critics argue that the rush to secure David Malukas may be premature, especially given Power’s ability to still win races and compete at a high level. The dynamic is complicated by fan perceptions, with some feeling Malukas’ ties to Team Penske have inflated expectations, despite his clear displays of skill and competitive drive.
Josef Newgarden and the State of the Team
At present, Team Penske appears unlikely to make sweeping changes to its driver lineup beyond Power. Josef Newgarden, despite enduring a streak of poor fortune traced to mechanical and strategic mishaps, is widely considered secure in his seat. Scott McLaughlin’s situation remains steady, though alternative scenarios such as a potential move to NASCAR have been floated by pundits like Townsend Bell. Meanwhile, Power’s tenure with the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet has come into sharper focus as the season winds down, with the final events at the Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway possibly serving as his IndyCar swan song.
A Victory Casts a Shadow on What Comes Next
The Portland win may have brought relief to Team Penske and temporarily staved off the specter of a winless year, but its aftermath has only intensified the uncertainty about the direction of the program. The tension between an established star and the promise of a new generation of drivers embodies the broader struggles of a team known for its relentless pursuit of excellence. As the last two races approach, questions about succession, competitiveness, and the impact of recent controversies will continue to loom large.
If Will Power’s words and actions in the closing stages of the Portland race served as a reminder of what he has contributed, they also highlight the complexity and emotion underpinning one of the most dramatic seasons in recent Team Penske history. All eyes now turn to Milwaukee and Nashville, as the outcome of those events may ultimately determine how the team reshapes itself for the challenges ahead in the IndyCar series.
