Team Penske is preparing for a return to form in the 2026 IndyCar season, aiming to move beyond a disappointing 2025 campaign. Their renewed focus, highlighted by the arrival of David Malukas and insights from Scott McLaughlin, signals a determined push to reclaim the top ranks in Team Penske IndyCar 2026 season competition.
Lessons from a Difficult 2025 IndyCar Campaign
The 2025 season proved challenging for Team Penske, a team known for its strong legacy in racing. Neither of the Penske drivers managed to break into the Top 5 of the championship standings, a stark contrast to previous years. Will Power delivered the highest result for the team with a ninth-place finish in the standings, notching a single win, while his teammate Josef Newgarden also registered a late-season victory. For a team used to frequent podium finishes, the results fell short of expectations.
Team Penske’s troubles did not end with on-track performance. The fallout from the Indy 500 attenuator scandal led to significant changes, with Roger Penske taking the difficult step of dismissing three senior members. Despite the internal turbulence, the team decided to set their focus on the future. The addition of David Malukas as a new driver is expected to inject fresh energy and talent into the team as they tackle the upcoming season.
Scott McLaughlin Shares Team’s Renewed Mindset
Scott McLaughlin, after joining Doug Boles on the “Doug and Drivers” series, offered an inside look at the evolving mindset within Team Penske following their tough season. McLaughlin described a renewed sense of purpose and an internal commitment to improvement, as the organization aims to regain its competitive edge in the coming year.
“Yeah, look, it’s a clean slate in some ways. You know, it’s a refreshed look at the team, especially inside. You probably won’t see it from the outside, but I think, you know, for us and everyone that works there, I think it’s just a little different.”
– Scott McLaughlin, Driver
McLaughlin emphasized the value of teamwork and determination throughout the offseason, noting how the entire squad has come together with shared goals. He acknowledged the areas where Team Penske needs to step up, highlighting the importance of strong performances on road courses, ovals, and street tracks alike.
“I’m really proud of how the team has really worked together and in such an awesome, you know, environment the last few months and to get, you know, that mojo back and to really focus on what we need. You know, we need to be better on road courses, a little bit on ovals as well and street courses and people have got, you know, the bit between the teeth to be stronger and really return Roger to where he belongs and, you know, it’s going to be hard. It’s tough. IndyCar is the most competitive series on the planet, but we’re ready for the fight,”
– Scott McLaughlin, Driver
Speculation About NASCAR and McLaughlin’s Perspective
Before joining the IndyCar circuit, Scott McLaughlin built his reputation in Australia’s V8 Supercars series. Given the similarities between V8 Supercars and NASCAR, speculation has frequently surfaced about a potential transition to stock car racing. Shane van Gisbergen’s recent move to NASCAR, where he showcased his adaptability, further fueled discussions about whether McLaughlin might make a similar jump.
During a conversation about his future racing prospects, McLaughlin shared how Roger Penske has been supportive of the idea of exploring NASCAR, underscoring the strong relationship between team management and the drivers.
“Look, we’ve been, we’ve joked about it. He’s like, ‘[Shane] Van Gisbergen is going well; we know you could have a crack with him’. I know that Roger [Penske] would like to see me do it and whatever, and people always hassle him and stuff, but ultimately we’ve got so much here to work on,”
– Scott McLaughlin, Driver
Despite that support, McLaughlin asserted his current commitment to the IndyCar program, reaffirming that his primary focus remains on contributing to Team Penske’s resurgence in the series.
“Yeah, I’m just very happy doing what I’m doing right now. Honestly, yes, if he came to me tomorrow and said, ‘Do you want to do a NASCAR race?’ I would do it. Because I just love racing,”
– Scott McLaughlin, Driver
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As the 2026 IndyCar season approaches, Team Penske is determined to leave behind the difficulties of the previous year. McLaughlin, listed among the favorites heading into 2025, fell short of contending for the championship due to the team’s collective struggles. However, with a revitalized lineup and renewed internal focus, both longtime fans and racing analysts will watch closely to see if Penske’s efforts in the offseason can translate into a return to the front of the grid. Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President, along with figures like David Malukas and Will Power, remain pivotal in shaping the team’s journey toward a hoped-for comeback.
The pressing question now centers on whether Team Penske can overcome the fierce competition within IndyCar and restore their reputation as a powerhouse in open-wheel racing when the new season begins.
