Scott Dixon recently revealed that Team Penske future and Will Power’s racing career were uncertain for years, after a private conversation in which Power considered retiring from IndyCar. The insight came as both championship-winning drivers, now among the oldest on the current grid, navigated the closing stretch of their storied careers and contributed to intense speculation about what might come next for Team Penske and its long-time powerhouse, Will Power.
Will Power’s Uncertain Road with Team Penske
During the 2025 IndyCar season, Will Power faced significant uncertainty over his career, with Team Penske delaying any decisions regarding a contract extension for 2026. The pressure mounted as the season drew to a close, leading Power to publicly acknowledge the stress caused by this drawn-out process. With Power already in his mid-40s, rumors swirled throughout the paddock that he might be looking at other teams for the following year, or even contemplating retirement due to his age.
Scott Dixon, himself a veteran driver and six-time IndyCar champion, discussed the situation during an August interview on the Pit Pass Indy podcast. He recalled a pivotal conversation he’d had with Power about five years earlier when Power appeared close to calling it quits:
“There was a time I remember talking to Will, maybe five years ago, where he was thinking about retiring. So I was like, ‘Why, why would you do that, man? You know, what else are you going to do? So, I’m glad he’s all fired up, definitely wants to keep racing. He’s got a massive talent and obviously, had fantastic results.”
Those words proved prescient, as Will Power’s choice to keep racing delivered further accolades, including his second IndyCar championship title in 2022. Even so, despite being the top performer at Team Penske in recent seasons, Power was only offered a one-year contract extension, falling short of his desire for a longer agreement. Choosing a new direction, Power declined the single-year offer and ended a 17-year collaboration with Team Penske to join Andretti Global on a multi-year deal.
Longstanding Rivalry and Respect Between Dixon and Power
Scott Dixon and Will Power have established themselves as mainstays in IndyCar, each racking up victories and sharing podiums for almost two decades. Their competitive spirit has pushed one another—and the next generation of drivers—to continually raise their performance. Even into their mid-40s, Dixon and Power remain among the most formidable competitors on the grid.
When Dixon was asked if Power is still among the toughest rivals he faces, he responded on the Pit Pass Indy podcast:
“Yeah, he’s an all-round great driver. He’s proved that year on year out. You know, last year, he had a fantastic year and was fighting for the championship, coming down to the last race, and you know, he’s done that many years.”
As the 2025 IndyCar season concluded, Scott Dixon took third in the overall standings with Chip Ganassi Racing, while teammate Alex Palou claimed a dominant fourth championship title. At the same time, Will Power stood out as Team Penske’s leading performer in what proved to be a challenging season for the entire roster.
The Road Ahead for Will Power and Team Penske
The evolving relationship between Will Power and Team Penske highlights how age, performance, and contract negotiations shape the careers of even proven champions. Power’s move to Andretti Global signals a new chapter, and his earlier conversation with Scott Dixon now underscores the resilience and passion that define longevity in motorsport. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Power at Andretti Global and on Team Penske as it adapts without one of its most successful drivers, while veterans like Dixon and Power continue to influence the fabric of IndyCar racing.
