Team Penske has confirmed a prominent driver change for 2026, bringing David Malukas in as the replacement for Will Power in the No. 12 Chevy. This Team Penske driver change 2026 marks a significant transition, spotlighting the next generation as Malukas prepares to move from AJ Foyt Racing into one of the most iconic seats in IndyCar.
The announcement follows Malukas’s impressive 2025 season, where his skill behind the wheel stood out—most notably with a sensational second-place finish at the 109th Indianapolis 500. Malukas only received that runner-up spot after Marcus Ericsson was disqualified following a post-race technical inspection. Throughout the season, Malukas made waves in qualifying, especially on oval tracks, earning him early attention from Team Penske management. His move has been widely discussed, as insiders long surmised he was already earmarked for the team’s future plans. In 2025, while still under contract with Foyt, Penske strategically placed him in the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevy, foreshadowing this promotion as Will Power’s contract wound down.
Will Power’s Departure and Its Impact on Team Penske
Will Power’s long stint with Team Penske comes to an end after 17 years, making this a pivotal change for both the driver and the organization. Negotiations between Power and Penske became strained due to ongoing delays and miscommunication about extending his contract. Ultimately, Power turned down a one-year proposal and instead signed with Andretti Global to replace Colton Herta in the No. 26 Honda, beginning in 2026. Power leaves having secured two IndyCar championships, 42 of his 45 career wins, and 65 of his record 71 IndyCar pole positions while driving the No. 12 car—cementing his legacy as one of the series’ greats.
David Malukas Steps Into a Storied Seat
For Malukas, moving into the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet represents a career-defining leap. The young driver openly acknowledged the magnitude of the expectation that comes with following in Power’s footsteps.
“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young racecar driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream. Will Power is one of the legends of our sport, and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet is one of the most-recognized cars on the grid. These are big shoes to fill, but I look at it as an opportunity because I know that it is one of the best teams in the paddock,”
Malukas said in Penske’s press release. — David Malukas, Team Penske Driver
Internally, the expectation is high. Malukas’s entry into the team not only brings youthful momentum but also inherent pressure to sustain the level of excellence Team Penske is known for, especially considering the historic performances by Will Power in recent years.
Adjustments for AJ Foyt Racing and Future Driver Movements
Rinus Veekay is set to take over Malukas’s seat at AJ Foyt Racing in the No. 14 Chevy for the 2026 season, continuing the ripple effect of the Team Penske driver change 2026 throughout the IndyCar lineup. The move signifies broader shifts among top teams and highlights the ongoing competition for top talent in the series.
Insights from Team Leaders on Malukas’s Move
Earlier in the season, reports swirled about Malukas’s potential jump to Team Penske, gaining momentum when Gallagher, a key Penske sponsor, became the primary sponsor on his AJ Foyt Racing car during the Portland weekend. Despite the speculation, Malukas initially reinforced his commitment to Foyt Racing:
“No, from my side it’s same old, same old. As of right now, I signed a multi-year deal with Foyt. That’s kind of where the trajectory goes right now,”
Malukas had said. — David Malukas, AJ Foyt Racing Driver
However, team boss Larry Foyt recognized that Malukas’s future might ultimately rest with the wishes of Team Penske. He praised Malukas’s talent while expressing his desire to keep the young driver on the roster:
“David’s been great to have, no doubt, got a lot of talent, and really quick. Definitely a funny, interesting guy. He cracks me up. And then he’s done a great job. Would love to keep them around for another year; not sure about what’s going to happen there, but we’ll just see and keep working on things. And if that’s not the way it’s going to be, that’ll be okay, and we’ll keep going,”
Foyt said via RACER. — Larry Foyt, AJ Foyt Racing Boss
Legacy and Expectations for the Team Penske Driver Change 2026
Replacing Will Power in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet means that enormous expectations will be levied on Malukas. Power’s achievements—two championships, an Indianapolis 500 victory in 2018, and his record-breaking pole position tally—have set a high benchmark. The move also places added focus on Team Penske’s ability to nurture young talent and maintain its competitive edge, as Josef Newgarden’s contract is expected to run through 2026, further stabilizing the team’s lineup.
This shift for Team Penske closes a major chapter in IndyCar history while opening a new one with Malukas at the helm. With changes at Andretti Global, Gallagher’s visible presence as a sponsor, and fresh faces set to join teams like AJ Foyt Racing and others, the upcoming seasons promise increased competition and plenty of storylines for fans to follow. All eyes will now be on David Malukas as he prepares to take on one of the most challenging and prestigious roles on the IndyCar grid.
