David Malukas has shared his perspective on succeeding Will Power at Team Penske, as the organization prepares for a significant Team Penske driver change in 2026. Power, a two-time IndyCar champion, will conclude his long-standing relationship with the team and move to Andretti Global after the 2025 season.
Will Power began his remarkable journey with Team Penske in 2009, initially stepping in as a replacement for Helio Castroneves, who was then absent due to legal matters. Power’s strong performance in the No. 3 car quickly led Team Penske to keep him on board, assigning him the No. 12 Chevrolet and providing him with more opportunities throughout that year. With a win in Edmonton during a part-time campaign, Power solidified his place at Penske, turning his deal into a full-time position from 2010 onward. Over this period, he notched 42 of his 45 IndyCar victories with the team, captured two series titles, took home the 2018 Indianapolis 500 trophy, and raised the record for IndyCar pole positions to 71.
With Power set to leave, Malukas, who will pilot the No. 12 Chevy, becomes only the second driver to do so in the car’s IndyCar history. During a recent discussion on the Stickers & Send It podcast, host Jack Harvey asked Malukas about the challenge of inheriting the legacy of the No. 12 car at Team Penske. Addressing the question directly, Malukas responded:
“No, from that perspective, I don’t,” the 24-year-old replied. “Will is an incredible driver, an incredible legend who’s left a legacy here at Team Penske, and he’ll forever be known as Will Power, right? Nobody’s gonna be able to touch that.”
— David Malukas, Driver
“Me coming into it is just me coming in as myself, just doing my own path, and see how things are gonna be going on. The people here at Team Penske, they trust me being in the No. 12 car, and we’re just trying to get up to speed and be on my own course,” Malukas added.
— David Malukas, Driver
Malukas joins Penske following a standout year with AJ Foyt Racing in 2025, which saw him achieve five top-10 finishes and secure a podium at the 109th Indianapolis 500. Initially finishing third at Indy, he was later promoted to second after Marcus Ericsson’s disqualification. In the season standings, Malukas placed eleventh, ahead of Penske’s own Josef Newgarden, while Power and McLaughlin slotted in just ahead in ninth and tenth, respectively, highlighting Malukas’s competitive form heading into his new role.
Communication Delays and a Changing Lineup at Team Penske
Will Power, who had been hoping for a multi-year extension with Team Penske, encountered ongoing issues as contract talks stalled throughout late 2024. As rumors intensified regarding the potential Team Penske driver change in favor of David Malukas, Power became increasingly frustrated, feeling that his years of loyalty were being discounted. Despite clinching a win at the Grand Prix of Portland, Power only received a one-year offer—an overture he found insufficient after his lengthy service. Ultimately, Power opted to join Andretti Global, marking the end of a celebrated tenure with Penske.
Reflecting on the transition, Power acknowledged Team Penske owner Roger Penske’s intentions in a candid exchange on the Racers Unchained podcast with Paul Tracy:
“I’m forever grateful to get the chance with Roger and then to be able to have the career I had,” said Power. “I mean, it was a great partnership, and Roger’s been great to me, he really had the whole time. Obviously, there is a point where, you know, you’ve got to, he’s looking at the future. He wants a young guy. And, you know, it’s just, if you knew the whole situation, it’s like, I get why he did that.”
— Will Power, Driver
Power remains under contract with Team Penske until the end of the current year and will formally start with Andretti Global on January 1. Meanwhile, Malukas has already joined Penske and has begun acclimating to his new environment, recently taking part in testing with the No. 12 Chevy at Gateway.
Implications for the 2026 IndyCar Season and Beyond
This upcoming driver change signifies more than just a roster adjustment at Team Penske; it represents a broader shift as established champions like Will Power move on and new talent such as David Malukas step up. Malukas has already demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, and Penske’s decision signals a commitment to investing in the future of their racing program.
The departure of Power, who has shaped Penske’s legacy for nearly two decades, and the arrival of Malukas, who will chart a distinct course in the No. 12 Chevy, mark a pivotal phase for both the team and the IndyCar Series. With intense competition and evolving narratives, the next season promises fresh storylines and a dynamic landscape in American open-wheel racing.
