The IndyCar world is in turmoil following Will Power’s recent departure from Team Penske, an announcement that has deeply affected not only the driver himself but also his teammate Josef Newgarden. Newgarden, a two-time Indy 500 winner, spoke candidly about his emotions on a recent episode of the Speed Street podcast, hosted by Conor Daly. “I love Will. I honestly love Will Power,” Newgarden said. “If it were up to me, he wouldn’t be going anywhere. He’s still as fast as ever, a great personality, and a fantastic teammate.” These words reflect the strong bond the two drivers have built during their nine years as teammates at Team Penske, despite occasional on-track tensions, such as the moment at the 2024 Bommarito Automotive 500 when Power expressed his frustration after a collision with Newgarden.
Power, who was one of Team Penske’s most successful drivers for 17 years, has left an impressive legacy. With 42 of his 45 IndyCar victories coming at Penske, two championships (2014 and 2022), and an Indy 500 victory in 2018, Power is a legend in the sport. He also holds the record for most pole positions in the IndyCar Series with 71. His departure to Andretti Global, where he will take Colton Herta’s place, marks the end of an era for both him and the team. “It has been the honor of my life driving for Roger and the Penske organization,” Power said in a statement. “After much consideration, I felt a change was the right move for me at this time.”
For Newgarden, Power’s departure is not only a personal loss, but also a blow to the team, which has already endured a turbulent season. Team Penske endured one of its most difficult years in its history in 2025, with only two wins – one for Power in Portland and one for Newgarden in Nashville. The season was marred by controversy, including a scandal involving the illegal use of the push-to-pass system in St. Petersburg in 2024, which led to the disqualifications of Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin. The team was also hit with another violation during 2025 Indy 500 qualifying, where Newgarden’s and Power’s cars were found to have illegal rear-end modifications. These incidents resulted in severe penalties, including $100,000 fines, quarterback suspensions, and relegation to the rear of the field.
Amid this turmoil comes an even greater blow for Roger Penske, the owner of Team Penske, IndyCar, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Title sponsor Verizon, a longtime partner of the team, has announced its withdrawal, with an estimated financial loss of $357 million. This departure poses a significant crisis for Penske, known for his unparalleled success in motorsports. With 20 Indy 500 victories as a team owner and recent successes such as the NASCAR Cup Series title with Joey Logano, Penske has always strived for excellence. However, the combination of Power’s departure and the loss of Verizon threatens to further undermine the team’s stability.
For Power himself, the future looks promising. His move to Andretti Global offers him the opportunity to continue his career with a team that also has a rich history in IndyCar. Although he turns 45 at the start of the 2026 season, Power has proven he remains one of the most competitive drivers on the grid. His victory in Portland this year and his consistent performance, despite the team’s setbacks, underscore his enduring talent and determination.
For Newgarden and Penske, the focus now is on rebuilding the team. With the arrival of 23-year-old David Malukas as a potential replacement for Power, and the continued presence of Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske still has a strong lineup. However, Power’s departure, combined with the financial and reputational damage from the loss of Verizon, will have a lasting impact. The IndyCar community is eagerly watching to see how Penske will address these challenges as the team tries to regain its dominant position.
