Will Power, a two-time IndyCar champion, has shared candid feelings about concluding his long-standing Team Penske IndyCar partnership and beginning a new chapter with Andretti Global in 2026. After more than fifteen years with the Penske organization, Power’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by outstanding performance and deep connections.
Power’s Remarkable Journey with Team Penske
Originally joining Team Penske for a partial season in 2009, Power quickly distinguished himself. In his debut stretch, he consistently delivered strong results, with a worst finish of ninth place and a victory in Edmonton. His impressive performance led Penske to sign him full-time from 2010, placing him behind the wheel of the No. 12 Chevy.
With Penske, Will Power built an iconic legacy. He secured two IndyCar championships, triumphed at the 2018 Indy 500, and captured a record 71 career poles—65 of which came during his Penske tenure. However, a communication breakdown in 2024 and 2025 ultimately led to the decision to part ways following the 2025 season.
Reflecting on his history with Team Penske during an appearance on The Offseason with James Coker, Power highlighted what the partnership meant to him over nearly two decades:
“The relationships that I forged over that time, the people I worked with for so long. The engineer I worked with was more than 17 years, actually. We started in ’07, was the first time together. So that’s 20 years or something with Dave (Faustino). It’s all the people you became friends with, worked with, won championships and races with, poles, all the stuff.”
– Will Power, IndyCar Driver
He went on to underline the daily routines and strong camaraderie built over years of close collaboration:
“I went into that shop almost every day. It will be strange for me. I feel fortunate to have driven for Penske. Great team, giving you equipment, and the people, and the atmosphere to achieve a lot. So yeah, I had a great time there, great time,”
Power added. – Will Power, IndyCar Driver
Choosing Change: Power’s Decision to Join Andretti Global
Despite his fondness for Penske, Power felt a sense of readiness for something new. He commented on this major career decision:
“it was the right time to do something different”
– Will Power, IndyCar Driver
With the announcement, Power prepares to transition to Andretti Global starting with the 2026 season. Moving teams after such a long affiliation brings both excitement and anxiety as he embraces unfamiliar territory and a fresh challenge.
First Steps with Andretti: A New Beginning
Power’s journey with Andretti Global started at the beginning of the year, following the official conclusion of his Team Penske contract. On January 1, he entered the Andretti shop for his first seat fitting in the No. 26 Honda. By January 7, he participated in his inaugural test session with the team, joining former Penske teammate Josef Newgarden at the Phoenix Raceway as part of Firestone’s tire development program.
Describing his emotions after the first test, Power drew a parallel to a common rite of passage:
“It did feel like the first day of school,”
he told RACER.
“First day at a new team, learning people’s names and not feeling completely comfortable because you don’t know everyone yet. But it’s a nice feeling to not have any sort of complacency or anything; you’ve got to make sure you’re on your game.”
– Will Power, IndyCar Driver
He acknowledged that adjusting to a new environment would take time, but preseason testing in February ahead of the 2026 season at St. Petersburg should help with his integration.
The Impact of Power’s Transition on IndyCar
Will Power’s departure from Team Penske and the formation of a Team Penske IndyCar partnership with Andretti Global is one of the most notable changes headed into the 2026 IndyCar season. Drivers, teams, and fans alike will be watching how Power adapts to new surroundings and whether he can replicate his record of success with his new teammates. The upcoming preseason testing and the season opener at St. Petersburg will reveal how this celebrated driver continues to shape the sport after such a dramatic shift.
