Team Penske has announced a major driver change, naming David Malukas as the new pilot for the #12 Chevrolet beginning with the 2026 IndyCar season, following Will Power’s departure. The decision comes after months of speculation and signals a new era for Team Penske, as the focus keyword “Team Penske driver change” becomes a central talking point in the racing world.
Penske Appoints Malukas to Succeed Power
The confirmation of David Malukas joining Team Penske concludes months of rumors about Will Power’s contract, which was set to end after the 2025 season. As questions intensified regarding Power’s future with the team, many sources indicated that Malukas was the top candidate to fill the coveted spot. Will Power officially announced his exit from Team Penske on September 2, and just one day later, shared that he would join Andretti Global for the following season. On September 18, the team formally confirmed that Malukas would step into the #12 Chevrolet beginning in 2026.
Roger Penske, the legendary team owner, expressed his support for Malukas in the organization’s public statement.
“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet. We feel that Team Penske will provide David everything needed to take the next step in his career, and we are confident that he will continue the great legacy of the Verizon Chevrolet,” said Roger Penske
Power’s Long Tenure and Malukas’ Path to Penske
Will Power spent 17 seasons racing with Team Penske, becoming one of its most prominent and experienced competitors before confirming his transfer to Andretti after the 2025 season. Meanwhile, David Malukas secured a seat with AJ Foyt Racing for 2025, a team that maintains a technical alliance with Penske. This connection made Malukas an appealing choice to inherit the #12 car.
Malukas demonstrated strong performance during his first season with AJ Foyt Racing, achieving an 11th-place finish in the championship and securing a second-place result at the Indianapolis 500. The 23-year-old brings nearly four years of IndyCar experience to the Penske lineup, positioning him as both a youthful and experienced addition to the team.
Taking on a Legendary Role
With Will Power having served as the senior statesman at Team Penske alongside teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin, the transition marks a significant moment for both the team and its fans. Addressing the challenge ahead, Malukas spoke about the responsibility tied to replacing Power in such an iconic car.
“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.”
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
David Malukas will race alongside Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin as he joins the established Team Penske roster for the 2026 IndyCar season, which kicks off on March 1 at St. Pete. With Roger Penske overseeing the new partnership, Team Penske is optimistic about sustaining and expanding its legacy, while Malukas aims to build on his early successes. The Team Penske driver change is poised to be a major storyline in the coming years, drawing attention from fans and insiders alike as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge and uphold the tradition set by Power and his predecessors.
