Will Power’s departure from Team Penske has been traced to a breakdown during recent contract discussions, with the Team Penske contract controversy playing a pivotal role in his decision to exit and sign with Andretti Global for 2026. Power, a longtime driver and two-time IndyCar champion, opened up about a series of miscommunications and unmet assurances that prompted a dramatic shift in his IndyCar career.
Unfulfilled Promises Mark the End of a Long Tenure
The rift between Will Power and Team Penske came to light when Power discussed his contract experience on a podcast hosted by James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi. Power detailed how, after his last contract, he approached then-Team Penske president Tim Cindric for a longer commitment. Instead, he was met with uncertainty about his long-term future with the team.
“I know when I signed my last contract, I did go back to Tim Cindric and say, ‘Hey, I would like to do three years’. We had a conversation, like, (he said), ‘We’ll talk at the end of ‘24 and if you’re still performing and still doing well, we’ll keep going,'” the 44-year-old shared. —Will Power, Driver
Despite his performance during the 2024 season—winning three races and remaining a key contender for the championship against Alex Palou—Power said there was no approach from senior leaders at Penske to discuss future terms. The silence reportedly fueled Power’s frustration and signaled the start of his departure considerations.
“Well, I won three races in ‘24. I was the only driver that went into the last race with a shot to win the championship against (Alex) Palou,” Power added. “At that point, I was like, ‘Well, I’m sure they’re going to speak to me in the off-season,’ and it never happened. They never actually said a word. I was pissed off going into May about it, I was pissed off going into the season about it. I was pissed off that they weren’t going to say anything.” —Will Power, Driver
Further complicating the situation, Power revealed that Team Penske’s owner Roger Penske had not been aware of Cindric’s contract discussions or the promise made to Power.
“Roger wasn’t aware when I said that to him, something along the lines of that that was even the case. Maybe I should have just called Roger. I just thought, what driver in the field wouldn’t be signed after winning three races? The champion won two. That’s Palou. I won three. Come on,” Power concluded. —Will Power, Driver
The contract controversy escalated at a time of broader upheaval within Team Penske, as Roger Penske fired Tim Cindric and two other top executives following the team‘s Indy 500 scandal in May, adding further instability to Power’s environment.
Portland Victory Solidifies Power’s Decision to Move On
A turning point emerged during the 2025 season when Will Power secured the Grand Prix victory in Portland, notching his 45th career win and the 42nd for Team Penske. Breaking a long spell of poor results for the team, the triumph brought clarity for Power regarding his professional future.
“The time where I just said, ‘Nah, it’s done,’ was after I won Portland. Nah, it’s done. I think it’s time to change. That was when I just, in my mind, decided, I’m kind of sick of all the questions and so on,” the IndyCar veteran said. —Will Power, Driver
After the Portland win, Team Penske’s senior management attempted to reinitiate discussions about extending his contract, but Power rejected these overtures. This firm stance made it clear to all parties that his chapter at Penske would close after the 2025 season. Meanwhile, his communication with Andretti Global intensified, setting the stage for his next move.
The exit of Colton Herta, who joined Cadillac as a test and development driver after signing for a role in Formula 1, left a key vacancy at Andretti Global Honda. Power stepped into that opportunity, signing a multi-year agreement to join Andretti beginning in 2026 and promising to bring the experience of a champion and veteran to the organization.
Challenges Ahead for Power and Implications for Teams
Will Power’s transition caps the end of a 17-year association with Team Penske that involved victories, championship battles, and moments of turmoil. The Team Penske contract controversy not only affected Power’s career direction but also underscored how leadership changes and communication breakdowns can disrupt even longstanding relationships in motorsport.
As Power prepares to join Andretti, the IndyCar community will be focused on how both Team Penske and Andretti Global adapt to their shifting lineups. Fans and commentators will watch closely for Power’s impact as a new Andretti driver, while Team Penske faces the challenge of moving forward after losing one of its most successful and vocal veterans.
