Will Power’s Future in IndyCar Hangs by a Thread: Will Penske Make the Right Call?
In a shocking turn of events, Will Power is facing an uncertain future in IndyCar, and the pressure is mounting on him and his team. After a dramatic weekend at the Portland race, Power fired back at critics questioning his capabilities as a driver, saying, “Just go back to last year and you’ll f**king know.” His palpable frustration is understandable as he broke a frustrating winless streak for Team Penske that had begun to feel like a grim echo of its worst season in history back in 1999.
Despite being a two-time IndyCar champion and the winner of the prestigious Indianapolis 500, Power finds himself without a contract for the 2026 season. This disconcerting situation leaves him open to discussions with rival teams, starting at the end of August if Penske does not secure his signature. “I’m driving the best I ever have, simple as that,” Power asserted, emphasizing his continued evolution as a driver. “I am not slowing down. I am faster.”
However, even with his impressive track record—including being Penske’s top scorer and most reliable driver this season—Power is still left in limbo. His acknowledgment of the stressful situation he’s in is sobering. “I have no clue. I don’t know,” he admitted, revealing the anxiety that accompanies his precarious position.
While it’s easy to chalk up the team’s struggles to bad luck, such as Power’s first-lap crash in St. Petersburg and various mechanical failures throughout the season, the reality is that sixth, eleventh, and eighteenth-place finishes are simply unacceptable for a team of Penske’s caliber. Power’s claim that they could have been winning every weekend raises eyebrows. “It is not from a lack of performance,” he insists, reiterating that the team is capable and talented. “You have them. It’s just been one of those years.”
Indeed, Power’s performance has been noteworthy, particularly when compared to his teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, who have struggled to find their footing. As the only Penske driver to secure a victory this season, Power’s position is not just a matter of pride; it’s a matter of survival within a team that boasts a legacy of excellence. “Yeah, never count out Penske, man,” he warns, hinting at the team’s potential to bounce back.
But time is ticking. With the clock winding down on the current season, the question remains: What should Team Penske do? Power’s consistent performance and his ability to outperform his teammates make a compelling case for a new contract. The team would be remiss to overlook that he has outpaced his rivals, including a streak of beating Alex Palou—an achievement no other driver has matched since 2021.
Rumors swirl around potential replacements, with David Malukas on the radar as a possible successor, but his inconsistent performance raises significant doubts. Why would Penske risk losing the experience and talent of Power for an unproven commodity? “Anything other than a one-year extension would be silly for Penske,” a source close to the team stated.
As the IndyCar silly season heats up, Power has made it clear that his preference is to stay with Penske, but the uncertainty looms large. “I don’t know, man. Maybe it’s my decision,” he said, casting doubt on the negotiations. With Andretti, Ganassi, and McLaren firmly committed to their current line-ups, options appear limited for the veteran driver.
The financial implications of any move away from Penske also cannot be overlooked. Power deserves to be compensated as one of the top drivers in the sport, and with teams like Rahal Letterman Lanigan already locked in with their drivers, the options for Power are dwindling.
Penske’s new IndyCar president, Jonathan Diuguid, has remained tight-lipped about Power’s future, focusing instead on the team’s recent victory. “Will’s future is about 30 minutes old from winning a race,” he said, while avoiding direct questions about contract negotiations. However, the urgency is palpable, and with just two races left in the season, the clock is ticking for both Power and Penske.
In the world of IndyCar, uncertainty reigns supreme, but one thing is clear: Will Power’s career is far from over, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not only his future but the direction of Team Penske as well. Will they rise to the occasion or let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers? Only time will tell.