IndyCar’s Will Power leaves Team Penske after 17 years

Sept. 2 (UPI) — IndyCar driver Will Power will end his run with Team Penske after 17 years, the parties announced Tuesday.

The two-time IndyCar series title winner said he felt like the change was “the right move at this time.” Power, 44, will leave the team before the 2026 season.

“It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization,” Power said in a news release. “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.

“After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time.”

Team Penske said an announcement for the replacement driver of the No. 12 Chevrolet will be made at a later date.

Power won IndyCar series titles in 2014 and 2022. His 45 total victories rank fourth on the all-time list, trailing only A.J. Foyt (67), Scott Dixon (52) and Mario Andretti (52). He earned 42 of those wins while with Team Penske.

He also won a record 71 poles since his 2008 IndyCar debut.

Power’s lone win in 2025 came at the Grand Prix of Portland, which he also won in 2024 and 2019. He placed 21st in Sunday’s season finale, the Music City Grand Prix in Lebanon, Tenn.

“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 said. “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.”

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Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin were the other Team Penske drivers this season. Power, who earned six Top 5 finishes and eight Top 10 placements, finished ninth in the driver standings. McLaughlin finished 10th while Newgarden placed 12th.

The 2026 IndyCar season will start with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1 on a temporary course in St. Petersburg, Fla. The 2026 Indianapolis 500 will be held May 24 in Indianapolis.