By Luis Torres, Staff Writer/Photographer
After 17 seasons, 42 wins including an Indy 500 victory in 2018, 65 poles and two IndyCar championships, Will Power’s tenure at Team Penske has ended.
Roger Penske confirmed Tuesday morning that the driver of the No. 12 Chevrolet since 2009 won’t be back with the organization in 2026 in spite of being the highest performing Penske driver this season.
Power finished ninth in the IndyCar standings, the third time finishing outside the top-five in points in the last five seasons, with a win at Portland being one of the few positives of the championship trail.
Despite this, a pair of finishes outside the top-20 after his victory caps off a tumultuously frustrating campaign. Most notably, Power’s angst was highlighted last weekend at Nashville where wasn’t pleased with his pit crew nor certain he would be welcomed back as a sea of reporters followed him into the paddock.
With the announcement confirmed that Power isn’t returning, he said in a statement that it’s been an honor to drive for Team Penske.
“We have accomplished so much together, and I will always be grateful for my time with the time and my teammates who have supported me along the way,” said Power. “After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time.”
Power’s tenure with Team Penske began in 2009 when he filled in for Helio Castroneves, who was dealing with tax evasion charges, at St. Petersburg where he finished sixth. Once Castroneves returned, Power began driving the No. 12 on a limited basis where he didn’t waste time proving his worth by scoring a runner-up finish at Long Beach.
Later in the season, Power got his first of 43 victories for Penske at Edmonton that ultimately led to a full-time ride in the No. 12 car for 2010.
From there, it was off to the race as Power racked up wins, record-breaking poles and strong championship runs. However, it wouldn’t be until 2014 when Power finally hoisted the Astor Cup Trophy after finishing runner-up in points in three of the previous four campaigns.
In 2018, Power won the Indianapolis 500, a race where he delivered the iconic expletive line to the competition that they should him respect. It was also the victory that capped off sweeping the Month of May as he had won the Indy Grand Prix the race before.
Fast forward to 2022, Power scored eight podiums including a win at Detroit to capture his second Astor Cup. The season remains to this day the last time a driver other than Alex Palou to win the IndyCar championship.
Three years later, the tenure between Power and Penske ended with minimal fanfare. Power will look to add to his career numbers in his next chapter, currently sitting with 71 poles (first all-time) and 45 wins (fourth all-time).
Roger Penske commented Power’s decision of parting ways was a necessary change but hopes for the best on his next venture.
“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,” said Penske. “He has been 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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