It is the kind of paddock-shaking moment that completely rewrites the sport's landscape. The rumors turned out to be entirely true: Will Power, the two-time series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, is officially leaving Team Penske to join Andretti Global.
For the vast majority of the 2025 season, the 44-year-old Australian's employment status was the ultimate talking point in the paddock. The confirmation landed on Sept. 3, revealing that Power will pilot Andretti Global's No. 26 Honda. He steps into the seat vacated by Colton Herta, who is moving to the parent company’s European racing program.
I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.
Looking back at how it all started makes this move feel even more surreal. Power initially joined Roger Penske’s organization back in 2009 as a stand-in for Helio Castroneves during the Brazilian’s tax evasion case, opening that season in the No. 3 car at St. Petersburg with a sixth-place finish. Castroneves' absence was brief, but Team Penske was immediately impressed and put Power in the No. 12 car for the second race in Long Beach, where he claimed pole and finished second.
That limited action turned into a full-time seat by 2010. From there, Power became a permanent fixture in the Verizon-sponsored machine, racking up 42 victories to cement his legacy as the winningest Penske driver in history. He claimed his final victory for the team in August at Portland International Raceway, a result that made it clear his time with the organization was coming to an end.
Across 17 seasons with Team Penske, Power won at least one race in 16 of them, with 2023 standing as the lone exception while his wife, Liz, was seriously ill. Before his legendary tenure at Penske, Power started his career with Team Australia and KV Racing Technology.
"It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization," Power said. "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."
Power officially starts his Andretti Global career on Jan. 1, bringing more than 20 years of IndyCar Series experience alongside his 2014 and 2022 championships. His staggering resume includes 45 total race victories, 71 poles—a series record—and fourth place on the sport’s all-time wins list. In more than 300 starts, he has led over 5,000 laps while sitting fourth on the all-time podium list with 108 and fourth in top-five finishes with 142.
When he hits the track for 2026, Power will complete the Andretti IndyCar lineup alongside confirmed teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson. Even now, seeing a driver so synonymous with Penskan dominance in a new garage is difficult to process.
"This is a whole new chapter for me," Power said. "I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait."
