On January 27, 2026, Team Penske revealed David Malukas as the new driver for its storied No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, sparking excitement ahead of the new IndyCar season. This Team Penske David Malukas debut marks a major transition as Malukas steps into the role previously occupied by champion Will Power, embracing both the car’s legacy and the team’s ambition for future success.
Launching a New Chapter: The No. 12 Verizon Chevy Livery Reveal
The unveiling of the 2026 livery took place in the heart of winter, but anticipation for the IndyCar season was already building. Team Penske pulled back the cover on the No. 12, debuting a look that both honored past triumphs and heralded a fresh start for the team. The new design maintained the classic red-and-black Verizon scheme made famous by Will Power, but incorporated subtle enhancements, including Malukas’ name now featured prominently where Power’s once was. Gleaming accents of white and silver pointed to both continuity and the forward-thinking nature of Penske’s approach.
The No. 12 car has long been a symbol of excellence and Verizon’s steadfast partnership. For supporters and historians of the sport, seeing a new driver’s name replace a two-time series champion and Indy 500 winner signaled a significant passing of the torch. On social media, fans compared this change to legendary handovers in motorsport, invoking iconic numbers from NASCAR and expressing excitement over Malukas carrying the mantle of the famed Penske entry.
David Malukas: Rising Star Ready for the Spotlight
David Malukas, born to Lithuanian parents and raised in Chicago, carved out his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the IndyCar scene. His career momentum began with a standout second-place finish in the 2021 INDY NXT series, followed by five top-five and sixteen top-ten results in 61 NTT INDYCAR SERIES appearances. Malukas captured Rookie of the Year honors at the 2021 Indianapolis 500 and continued to impress by running the fastest lap in 2022 and securing a runner-up finish at the Brickyard in 2025.
Malukas’ ascent was not linear, but his resilience and raw speed earned him the respect of colleagues and fans alike. The plot twist came when Will Power, one of IndyCar’s most successful drivers, departed Team Penske for Andretti Global in September 2025. This unexpected exit created a rare opportunity in a team known for nurturing champions, and Malukas seized the moment, stepping into a car synonymous with victory, prestige, and relentless competition.
The Significance of the Team Penske David Malukas Debut
As the covers came off the new #12, the audience responded with a mix of reflection and bright anticipation. Many recognized the continuity of the car’s famed design, recognizing that, despite only minor visible updates, a new energy now powered the legendary machine. The jokes and nostalgic comparisons online reflected how the No. 12, much like revered numbers in other racing disciplines, represents a lineage that transcends any single driver. Malukas, with his background rooted in perseverance and a growing record of impressive performances, was ready to elevate that lineage in his own way.
The debut of Malukas with Team Penske will officially begin at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, 2026, broadcast on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network. The event represents more than the start of a new season; it is the beginning of a new era where tradition and innovation will intersect. As fans and racing commentators anticipate how Malukas will uphold and expand the No. 12 legacy, the world of IndyCar stands poised for another thrilling season of competition and change.
