Team Penske announced a significant shift as David Malukas steps in to take over the No. 12 car, marking the first Team Penske driver change for the IndyCar team in 17 years. The 24-year-old Malukas, set to succeed long-time leader Will Power from 2026, completed his initial test session with the team at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, on Tuesday.
Will Power’s departure comes after nearly two decades of consistent performances and achievements, including two IndyCar championships. Disagreements over contract extensions and a late one-year offer from Roger Penske’s organization prompted Power to accept a new deal with Andretti Global, ending his tenure as the No. 12 car’s principal competitor. Power’s exit created an early opportunity for Malukas, who was previously racing for AJ Foyt Racing, to step up for Team Penske.
Malukas Embarks on a New Chapter with Team Penske
On Tuesday, David Malukas got behind the wheel of the No. 12 Chevy at World Wide Technology Raceway, a car exclusively driven by Will Power since its inception under the Team Penske banner. The test in Madison, Illinois, marked the beginning of a new phase for both the young driver and the organization, as they look to maintain their decades-long tradition of success in IndyCar. Malukas shared his excitement in a pit lane video, demonstrating both enthusiasm for the opportunity and respect for the responsibility of carrying on the car’s legacy.
“We’re here testing at St. Louis. My first time in the Verizon Team Penske No. 12 car. (Pans the camera to the car) That beautiful beast. I got my NPC suit on, got the Verizon hat on. Favorite track, legendary car, can’t wait to get going.”
— David Malukas, Team Penske Driver
IndyCar highlighted Malukas’s test outing on social media, showcasing clips of his laps on the track. The Illinois venue holds particular significance for Malukas, as he achieved his maiden IndyCar podium (finishing second) at the track during his rookie season for Dale Coyne Racing in 2022, and returned for another podium (third place) in 2023.
Will Power Remains Under Contract Through 2025
Despite Malukas taking over the No. 12 car in testing, Team Penske still has Will Power under contract through the 2025 season. This arrangement appears strategic: Power, a 2018 Indy 500 winner and a mainstay in the team’s history, is being retained by Penske perhaps to delay his full transition into the Andretti Global setup, which he will join as a direct competitor in 2026. Notably, Power declined the team’s final one-year extension due to timing and the terms offered, underscoring some tension surrounding his exit.
The current scenario within Team Penske is an unusual one: both the incumbent and his successor are connected to the team through at least the end of 2025, with Will Power officially departing to Andretti Global on January 1. This unique overlap creates an atmosphere of transition, as Power looks ahead to what many believe could be the concluding chapter of his decorated career, while Malukas begins establishing his own legacy.
The Broader Impact of Penske’s Driver Lineup Evolution
The Team Penske driver change signals the end of an era and the onset of a new competitive phase for IndyCar. Legends like Roger Penske have built a reputation for strategic decisions, and this transition exemplifies that approach. The involvement of major entities such as Andretti Global signifies heightened competition as former teammates become rivals on the track by 2026.
For Malukas, joining Team Penske represents a leap forward in his career, with the chance to pilot a vehicle with a storied past. For Power, his upcoming chapter at Andretti Global will be watched closely, particularly since his loyalty to Team Penske spanned nearly twenty years. The shift not only affects driver lineups but could have ripple effects in sponsorships, team dynamics, and competitive strategies throughout the IndyCar series.
With Malukas’s promising track record—already having celebrated notable podium finishes at World Wide Technology Raceway—and Power’s impressive legacy within Team Penske, supporters can expect the 2025 and 2026 seasons to be marked by energy, adaptation, and new rivalries as the sport enters its next era.
Consider this your sneak peak 🤭⁰⁰Stay tuned for more content from testing in St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/VYFSq5mRju
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) October 7, 2025
