Will Power Departs Team Penske After 17 Seasons

Will Power, a two-time IndyCar champion and one of the sport's most successful drivers, will not return to Team Penske for the 2026 season, marking the end of a 17-year partnership. Power joined Team Penske in 2009 and quickly established himself as a key figure, winning 42 of his 45 career races with the team, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 2018. He also holds the record for the most pole positions in IndyCar history, with 71.

Forbes2-Time IndyCar Champ Will Power Leaving Team Penske After 17 SeasonsPenske confirms Power departureWill Power To Depart Team Penske Before 2026 SeasonWIBC - Indy's Mobile NewsTeam Penske ends 17-year partnership with IndyCar star Will PowerIndyCar star Power leaves Team Penske after 17 seasons

Roger Penske, the team owner, stated, “As we sat down to talk about our future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season. He has been an outstanding driver and teammate for our organization. His results speak for themselves, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career.” Power echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for his time with the team: “It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization. We have accomplished so much together, and I will always be grateful for my time with the team and my teammates who have supported me along the way.”

Will Power Not Returning to Penske in 2026Will Power To Leave Team Penske After 17 YearsTeam Penske ends 17-year partnership with IndyCar star Will PowerIndyCar star Power leaves Team Penske after 17 seasonsMajor IndyCar exit as Power leaves Penske after 17 yearsWill Power To Depart Team Penske Before 2026 SeasonESPN

The 2025 season was particularly challenging for Team Penske, with Power finishing ninth in the standings, the highest among the team's drivers. The season was marred by a technical rules violation at the Indianapolis 500, leading to the dismissal of two senior executives and contributing to a disappointing year overall. Power's performance included one victory at Portland, which was the team's first win of the season.

Team Penske ends 17-year partnership with IndyCar star Will Power

While Power's next steps remain uncertain, speculation suggests he may be a candidate to fill a seat at Andretti Global, particularly if Colton Herta moves to Formula 2. Additionally, Power has been linked to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, although no official confirmations have been made regarding his future team.

Penske confirms Power departure

Power's departure comes amid whispers of controversy surrounding his conduct, particularly following a scandal during the 2025 Indianapolis 500 qualifying. Both Power and teammate Josef Newgarden faced penalties for illegal modifications to their cars, which resulted in significant fines and loss of qualifying points. This incident, combined with Power's history of outspoken comments, may have influenced Team Penske's decision to part ways with him.

2-Time IndyCar Champ Will Power Leaving Team Penske After 17 Seasons

The end of Will Power's tenure at Team Penske signifies a significant transition for both the driver and the team as they prepare for the 2026 season. Team Penske is expected to announce Power's replacement, with 23-year-old David Malukas from AJ Foyt Racing being a strong contender. As the racing community watches closely, both Power and Team Penske are poised to embark on new chapters in their respective journeys.

Team Penske ends 17-year partnership with IndyCar star Will PowerIndyCar star Power leaves Team Penske after 17 seasonsPenske confirms Power departure2-Time IndyCar Champ Will Power Leaving Team Penske After 17 SeasonsWill Power To Depart Team Penske Before 2026 SeasonForbes

• “ Power echoed the sentiment, “It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization.” — Will Power, Driver

EssentiallySports

• “Article continues below this ad Roger Penske kept it classy, saying, “As we sat down to talk about our future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season.” — Roger Penske, Team Owner

EssentiallySports

• “He has been an outstanding driver and teammate for our organization. His results speak for themselves, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career.” — Roger Penske, Team Owner

ESPN