Team Penske IndyCar driver Malukas, the youngest member across the organization’s NASCAR and IndyCar squads, has quickly become friends with fellow Penske drivers Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric after joining the team for the 2025 season. This new bond highlights how the organization’s cross-series structure is encouraging fresh relationships and perspectives, especially as Malukas brings his Gen-Z approach to racing data and culture.
David Malukas, age 24, stepped into Team Penske to fill the seat left by departing IndyCar legend Will Power, moving over as Power headed to Andretti Global. Since joining, Malukas has found common ground with both Cindric and Blaney, two drivers who have become well known in Penske’s NASCAR division. Their friendship has grown through shared moments both off and on the track, including inside jokes and a mutual sense of humor that’s helped them connect.
Malukas Finds Humor and Camaraderie With Blaney and Cindric
The dynamic between Malukas and his new NASCAR colleagues quickly became apparent during the 2025 IndyCar pre-season. When asked how he was adapting, Malukas explained his previous distance from stock-car racing.
“Yeah, it’s been good for me because from my side of the NASCAR knowledge, I never really watched it and all that stuff,” Malukas said. “Now with them, I’m starting to get into it, learning a little bit more. But Ryan has probably been the one that… Austin, too. Austin and I actually, he’s got some good memes. We were sharing some memes and stuff. He’s got a good folder.” – David Malukas, Team Penske IndyCar Driver
Malukas also shared how both drivers brought their own flavors of humor to the relationship. He discovered that Cindric, in particular, had a knack for memes that resonated with his own sense of fun, while Ryan Blaney stood out for his wit during everyday interactions.
“Ryan, he’s good at being quick with some funny stuff. You’ll just be talking, and he’ll just say something so impulsively out of the blue, but it’s hilarious. Ryan has been a good guy to be around,” the No. 12 Chevy driver added. – David Malukas, Team Penske IndyCar Driver
These moments have not only helped ease Malukas’s transition into a high-pressure seat within Penske’s storied motorsports family but also fostered a stronger sense of teamwork between the IndyCar and NASCAR branches of the organization.
The Youngest Driver Faces Big Shoes and Team Expectations
As he steps in as the youngest Team Penske driver for both NASCAR and IndyCar, Malukas will partner with seasoned competitors Scott McLaughlin and two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden. He also inherits the legacy of Will Power, another two-time IndyCar champion whose achievements remain a benchmark inside the squad. The significance of these connections adds both excitement and pressure to Malukas’s new role.
Despite these challenges, Malukas has strong support from within the wider Penske family. Ryan Blaney, himself a NASCAR Cup Series champion in 2023, offered praise and belief in the new driver’s abilities, as mentioned during his appearance on the Pit Pass Indy podcast. Blaney described Malukas as a remarkably talented young driver who is likely to excel for Team Penske—building confidence both within the team and among its fans.
Gen-Z Insight and a New Perspective for Penske’s IndyCar Effort
Embracing his generational identity, Malukas believes he can help Team Penske refresh its approach to data and analysis, especially after what the organization called one of its most challenging IndyCar seasons in 2025. Teammate Scott McLaughlin has already engaged in friendly banter on social media, poking fun at Malukas’s use of Gen-Z slang, further cementing the lighthearted but motivated team culture.
“Well, coming in, I guess I’m a fresh face, right, can maybe do a fresh outlook on things. I have a Gen-Z look on data. We’ll be bringing that in. I think with Scott and Josef, already talking with them and working with them, I think it’s going to be a good trio.” – David Malukas, Team Penske IndyCar Driver
Malukas affirmed his aim to blend his own personality and humor within the discipline of Team Penske, known for its strong traditions and clear expectations. Despite the team’s reputation for strictness, Malukas feels confident he can integrate his style while preserving the qualities the organization values.
remain himself with all the memes. – David Malukas, Team Penske IndyCar Driver
Looking Forward as Team Penske Pursues a Turnaround
As Team Penske embarks on its 2025 campaign, the addition of David Malukas signals not just a roster change but a cultural evolution for the prestigious outfit. Malukas’s connection with NASCAR drivers Blaney and Cindric, alongside his forward-looking approach to data and team dynamics, could provide the spark required for the team to rebound from recent setbacks. The sense of camaraderie and acceptance between drivers from different racing backgrounds hints at a more unified effort across all of Penske’s teams, potentially driving success in both IndyCar and NASCAR.
