Team Penske IndyCar driver departure has made headlines as Will Power, former Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time series champion, is set to leave the team after an impressive 17-year career. The move, announced ahead of the 2026 season, marks the end of a significant era for both Power and Team Penske, shaking up the IndyCar field as the first major departure of the off-season.
Power’s Impact on Team Penske’s History
Hailing from Twoomba, Australia, Will Power has been synonymous with Team Penske since he joined, recording 42 victories and claiming 65 poles during 272 starts at the helm of the No. 12 Verizon car. His tenure includes memorable accomplishments such as winning the 2018 Indianapolis 500 and capturing series championships in both 2014 and again in 2022—standing out as the lone champion for Team Penske during the Alex Palou-dominated era.
In the most recent 2025 season, Power delivered solid performances: he secured his latest win from the pole at Portland on August 10, wrapped up the season as the highest-placed driver for Penske with a ninth-place finish in the standings, and logged eight top-10 and six top-5 finishes. These results reinforce his continued relevance and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving field.
Statements from Power and Team Leadership
Reflecting on his decision, Power expressed deep gratitude for his time at the storied organization.
“It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger [Penske] and the Penske organization,”
—Will Power, Driver. He acknowledged the significant experiences and support during his journey with Team Penske and explained his reason for leaving.
“We have accomplished so much together, and I will always be grateful for my time with the team and my teammates who have supported me along the way. After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time.”
—Will Power, Driver.
Roger Penske, the team owner, also shared his perspective about Power’s departure and the collaborative process leading to the decision.
“As we sat down to talk about our future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season,”
—Roger Penske, Team Owner. Penske was quick to acknowledge Power’s outstanding legacy with the team, saying,
“He has been an outstanding driver and teammate for our organization. His results speak for themselves and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career.”
—Roger Penske, Team Owner.
Transition Period and What’s Next for Power
With Power’s departure, Team Penske’s future roster remains partially in flux. The organization has announced that a replacement for the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet will be made public before the start of the 2026 season. In the immediate aftermath, Josef Newgarden, now the longest-serving Penske driver, will continue racing alongside Scott McLaughlin in the lineup, while the team searches for its third driver.
Competitively, Power’s current status as a free agent opens doors to various opportunities within IndyCar and beyond. Earlier in 2025, he engaged the A14 agency, led by Fernando Alonso and Oriol Servia, to take charge of contract negotiations and manage external offers once the contractual deadline of August 31 permitted him to do so. This step allowed Power to focus on his season while strategically planning his next move.
As of now, Power has become a sought-after target, connected with nearly every IndyCar team and rumored destinations outside the series. Following his success at Portland, Power demonstrated unwavering confidence in his capabilities and readiness for the next stage in his career.
“I won three races last year,”
—Will Power, Driver. He addressed any lingering doubts teams may have:
“If you’re a team, if you’re waiting on me to know if I’m good enough, I don’t know what you’re thinking. If you’re actually waiting, I’m not sure if this guy is good enough, just go back to last year and you’ll f***-ing know.”
—Will Power, Driver.
The Significance of Power’s Departure
Will Power’s exit closes a remarkable chapter for Team Penske, marking the first major driver change in their IndyCar lineup since 2021. This shift elevates speculation across the paddock, as teams and fans alike anticipate where Power, a proven winner and series champion, will land next. The ripple effects reach beyond Team Penske, influencing the strategies of other teams now presented with the prospect of adding a driver with Power’s record. As the IndyCar community awaits further announcements, Power’s departure solidifies its impact as a pivotal moment in the upcoming season.
