Will Power, a two-time IndyCar champion, has reignited discussion about his Team Penske contract talks for 2026 following a controversial on-track clash at Milwaukee with Kyffin Simpson of Chip Ganassi Racing. The incident added tension to an already troubled atmosphere, as Power questioned both Simpson’s actions and his own future within Team Penske.
On-Track Incident Sparks Questions
During lap 105 of the Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250, Will Power was forced off the racing line and onto the marbles by Kyffin Simpson. Despite Simpson maintaining his position on the inside, the move resulted in Power crashing into the barriers and ending his race prematurely. Power later expressed suspicions about whether Simpson was acting under direction from his team. The fallout continued, as Josef Newgarden, another Team Penske driver, was also affected by Simpson’s driving.
“We come out on new tires, and I went into two on the first lap and Kyffin, I went low and he drove me all the way down, and then, I thought well, I’ll go high this time, next time around, and then he drove me up and all the way into the marbles touched the wall.” 0:12 onwards.—Will Power, Team Penske Driver
Reflecting further on the incident, Power openly questioned the motivations behind Simpson‘s tactics, suggesting that Chip Ganassi Racing may have played a role in the altercation to benefit Alex Palou, another contender in the championship.
“I don’t know man, I don’t know. I mean, I think Josef is gonna be pretty mad at him just looking at it. Just looking at what he did to Josef there. Similar thing. I don’t know whether he is told to do that by his team to help Palou, but, it’s pretty rough.” 0:55 onwards.—Will Power, Team Penske Driver
After 16 rounds in the current IndyCar season, Power is currently ranked eighth in the drivers‘ standings with 347 points, while Simpson sits further down in 18th place with 250 points. The clash at Milwaukee intensified scrutiny on both drivers and their respective teams as the championship heads toward its conclusion.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future with Team Penske
Amid the turbulent Milwaukee race weekend, speculation intensified regarding Will Power‘s contract situation for 2026. The veteran driver, who has been a staple in America‘s open-wheel racing scene since 2008, has not yet finalized an extension with Team Penske, raising questions about his future in the sport.
Speaking about his pending contract negotiations, Power clarified that formal discussions with Roger Penske are still ahead. Sharing details of his recent communication with the team owner, he said:
“I mean at the end of the day, what is it, a week left, basically close to a week. Roger called me after Portland. He said ‘Let’s talk it out after Sunday and you know see where everything stands’. I keep getting asked the same question. Nothing has changed. He told me that after Detroit.”—Will Power, Team Penske Driver
Despite the uncertainty, Power’s legacy remains impressive, with a career tally that includes 43 victories, 102 podiums, and 65 pole positions in the IndyCar Series. His ongoing performance and influence in the paddock make the outcome of these contract talks pivotal for both Team Penske and the wider IndyCar community.
What Lies Ahead for Team Penske and Power?
The fallout from the Milwaukee incident and the timing of the Team Penske contract talks for 2026 place Will Power‘s future in the spotlight as the season nears its final stages. As discussions with Roger Penske draw closer, many in the racing world are watching keenly to see whether Power will remain with the team or if the drama at Milwaukee foreshadows bigger changes ahead. With stakes high and emotions running strong, the next few weeks could prove definitive for both Power and Team Penske in shaping the team’s lineup and championship ambitions.
