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Power moves to Andretti Global
Will Power leaves Penske after 17 years to join Andretti Global and replace Colton Herta as the No. 26 driver next season.
Will Power leaves Penske after 17 years to drive for Andretti Global, filling Colton Herta’s seat as Herta moves toward an F1 role with Cadillac.
Power joins Andretti Global to lead No 26 next season
Will Power announced on Wednesday that he will leave Team Penske after 17 years to join Andretti Global next season, stepping into the No. 26 Honda as Colton Herta moves to Europe to join Cadillac’s budding Formula 1 project. Power, a two-time IndyCar champion and former Indianapolis 500 winner, framed the move as a fresh start and a chance to recharge his career. The decision followed a season in which Penske delayed talks on an extension, leaving Power wary of a potential one-year deal and prompting him to seek a new home.
Andretti Global is rebuilding under new owner Dan Towriss and will field a three-car lineup with Power alongside Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood. Herta’s transition aims to help him pursue the super license needed for F1. Power’s arrival strengthens Honda’s position in IndyCar after GM loses its most successful driver to Honda, a shift in engine-brand balance that could redefine the season. Penske will replace Power in the No. 12 with 23-year-old David Malukas, underscoring Penske’s push to blend youth with proven winners as it plans for 2026.
Key Takeaways
"This is a whole new chapter for me"
Power on the move to Andretti Global
"Colton is someone that I’ve been massively impressed with for a while"
Power praising Herta
"We couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes"
Jill Gregory on Power’s fit
Power’s move underscores how driver decisions continue to shape team strategy in a tight, high-stakes sport. Andretti Global appears intent on recasting itself as a sustained IndyCar power, not just a stopgap for a single season. The Switch also highlights the tight dance between teams and engine partners, as Honda gains a marquee veteran while Chevrolet cedes one of its highest-profile drivers. For Penske, the shift signals a willingness to mix experience with youth, a common playbook in today’s sport. The broader question is whether these reshuffles deliver long-term consistency or merely shuffle seats as sponsors and fans watch closely for results in 2026.
Highlights
- This is a whole new chapter for me
- Colton is someone that I’ve been massively impressed with for a while
- We couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes
- I’m excited to watch him and will work to step in and do everyone on the 26 team proud
Contract tensions and competitive shift raise risk
Power’s switch exposes unresolved contract dynamics at Penske and signals a broader realignment in IndyCar. The timing and terms could unsettle sponsors and fans if 2026 planning remains unsettled.
The 2026 season could redefine the balance of power in IndyCar.
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