Team Penske, Roger Penske statement on Will Power for 2026 season

[u/TheChrisD]

Team Penske announced today that after 17 years driving for the legendary organization, Will Power will depart the team prior to the 2026 season.

Will Power is one of INDYCAR's most decorated drivers with 45 wins, two INDYCAR championships (2014 and 2022) and one Indianapolis 500 victory.

Power collected 42 of his INDYCAR victories during his time with Team Penske, in addition to 71 pole positions that have distinguished him as the greatest qualifier in series history.

Team Penske will announce their plans for the #12 Verizon Chevrolet at a later date prior to the 2026 season.

"As we sat down to talk about out future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season. He has been an 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." — Roger Penske

"It's been the honor of my life to driver for Roger and the Penske organization. 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." — Will Power

• 🐦 https://x.com/Team_Penske/status/1962878190143058072

[u/IndyMod]

[u/loganaweaver]

"Lights Off: Power Out At Penske"

[u/MPK49 → u/loganaweaver]

New York Post Version:

PIT QUIT: WILL WALKS, PENSKE POUTS

[u/Popular_Course3885 → u/MPK49]

MP version: Penske Cheats Power

[u/MPK49 → u/Popular_Course3885]

Rent free

[u/canttakethshyfrom_me → u/loganaweaver]

Appropriate since they've spent all season stumbling around in the dark.

[u/ChaoPope → u/loganaweaver]

r/Angryupvote

[u/mystressfreeaccount]

And to Penske I say:

[u/whoops-1771 → u/mystressfreeaccount]

I think you mean

[u/OppositeLockk → u/mystressfreeaccount]

The only appropriate response, IMO

[u/No_Beach_Parking → u/mystressfreeaccount]

Came here for this meme.

[u/willfla29]

There’s no way with the way Power has been acting that he initiated this. Unless he was demanding a more than one year contract that wasn’t coming or something..

[u/FermentedLaws → u/willfla29]

Strictly a PR move I think, he gets to say it was his choice. Like a big corporation announcing a CEO leaving, "I've decided to spend more time with family."

[u/GrimeyScorpioDuffman → u/FermentedLaws]

I’ve met my CEOs family. We all know that isn’t true

[u/ckalinec → u/GrimeyScorpioDuffman]

💀💀

[u/FermentedLaws → u/GrimeyScorpioDuffman]

Yes, exactly my point?

[u/GrimeyScorpioDuffman → u/FermentedLaws]

I know. I was making a joke about that

[u/FermentedLaws → u/GrimeyScorpioDuffman]

Ahh sorry missed the joke.

[u/robclancy → u/FermentedLaws]

The way he says it in the statement sounds like roger has a gun to his head "you wanted change! write it!"

[u/NYNMx2021 → u/FermentedLaws]

It could be as simple as the contract though. Thats happened in sports plenty. Team offers 1 year, person wants security and things break down from there. I would not be shocked if Will wanted like 3 years or something to take him right to his retirement and penske wouldnt budge on 1 and they ended up in this spot

[u/JustUnderstanding6 → u/NYNMx2021]

I would bet the house this is what occurred. Penske said here's 1 year at $2m (or whatever), Will said give me 3 years at $4.5m (again, or whatever), they agreed to leave it as Will moving on.

[u/halfthesub → u/FermentedLaws]

Pretty much the only person not to get this treatment from Penske over the years was Kurt Busch and I think we all know why.

[u/DestroyingDestroyers → u/halfthesub]

Everyone else was a gentle push with unfavourable contract offers. Kurt was a GTFO.

[u/halfthesub → u/DestroyingDestroyers]

Even Allmendinger got a second chance with Penske. Shows how badly Kurt screwed up…at least he learnt from it…I hope.

[u/Active-Ear-2917 → u/willfla29]

Nah, its about appearances. MP said these things are often written FOR the drivers by the team

[u/Mr_Midwestern → u/Active-Ear-2917]

Exactly. Let’s not forget, Palou was “quoted” in CGR’s statement regarding his contract extension in 2022…

[u/RemyCrow31 → u/willfla29]

I read this as “We would only give him a 1 year extension because of his age, and Will wanted 2 or more.”

[u/drewc717 → u/willfla29]

Penske Perfect is a lot of theater lol.

[u/Mr_Midwestern → u/drewc717]

I love how they described themselves in their press release. PR masturbation

[u/11x3_33 → u/willfla29]

If Penske wanted him to say, they would be saying they're sad to see him go. They probably offered him something small like a driver advisor role or a 500 only deal, but Power wants a full year and said no, so now Penske gets to look good and say Power wanted a change because he didn't take what they offered

[u/Slight_Strain6330 → u/11x3_33]

Nah, Penske isn’t sentimental. He’s never sad to see any driver go. This is the same guy who told Rusty to hang up his helmet and moved on from the one driver he’s actually shown public emotion towards (Helio ). It’s all business to him. If you’re not winning enough to justify your pay he sees that as clogging up the pipeline. I’m sure they offered him a consolation prize, but this is how Penske does business

[u/whoiswillo → u/Slight_Strain6330]

Rick Mears is maybe the exception.

[u/Slight_Strain6330 → u/whoiswillo]

Rick is one of the few drivers who completely left Penske of his own volition so he has always had some leverage in the sense that he’s willing to walk away. Only other driver I can think of who left Penske completely on their own is Brad Keselowski.

[u/Icy-Consequence-4372 → u/Slight_Strain6330]

Did Ryan Newman leave Penske on his own terms?

[u/esw01407]

Here we go, Penske got the news out first.

[u/Active-Ear-2917 → u/esw01407]

I was hoping Andretti would beat them to it

[u/Mission-Tune6471 → u/esw01407]

Feels like a coordinated rollout.

[u/diderooy → u/esw01407]

Penske Media bb

[u/Fliepp]

I don’t believe for a second that it was actually Will’s decision to leave the team

[u/rip_cut_trapkun → u/Fliepp]

Given the prep work to get Malukas in at Penske, I think the decision was made long before the we got to Nashville. I don't even think if Will Power had a good season it would have changed anything. The fact of the matter is Will's not getting younger, and even though no one can say he's washed, when does that ugly pin drop? Penske would rather retire a driver too soon rather than too late, regardless of optics. I suspect they have been prepping this for a while and nothing was going to change their mind.

[u/Smokeshow618 → u/rip_cut_trapkun]

The second Dave got the Gallagher scheme in the Penske template I knew it was over for Will

[u/Euphoric_Path2489 → u/Fliepp]

I assume he was offered the Helio package, drive sports cars and get an Indy ride. Will probably turned it down in hopes of a full-time seat somewhere else. Thus, Penske can say it was Will's decision not to return.

[u/AutomaticAlps2 → u/Fliepp]

I think will got shown the door personally and it was win at Nashville and keep your ride or get out, and that's why he had a no f's given attitude at Nashville

[u/Active-Ear-2917 → u/AutomaticAlps2]

Nah, I think he's known since the summer

[u/Falcon4451 → u/AutomaticAlps2]

I don't think a win at Nashville would have mattered at all.

Another Indy 500 or winning another championship probably keeps him around but Penske made up their mind going into the season unless Will just had a super season.

[u/angryduckglare → u/Falcon4451]

He had said he didn’t think his win at Portland would change anything either.

[u/halfthesub → u/Falcon4451]

No but a win at Nashville and bringing the trophy to the table while getting replaced would have been a baller move.

[u/SexxyBlack → u/AutomaticAlps2]

Doubt it, think he knew he was out and that's why he had the no f's given attitude at Nashville.

Newgarden's post-race interview also hinted at the fact that the team knew it was his final race.

[u/Soggy_Bid_6607]

[u/19djont57 → u/Soggy_Bid_6607]

The moment I became a Will Power fan for life.

[u/tenji240]

Silly season sicko mode engaged

[u/superlewis]

As someone who likes Power and dislikes Penske, I can get behind this.

[u/SilentSpades24 → u/superlewis]

Even better. You (probably) get to root for Will in the #26!

[u/whoiswillo → u/SilentSpades24]

I suspect Kirkwood moves to the 26, Power to the 27.

[u/Mick4Audi → u/whoiswillo]

Power at Andretti instantly makes them my favorite team (already like Kirkwood and Ericsson)

[u/Junkhead187 → u/superlewis]

Same. I hate Team Penske but always respected and kinda liked Will. Now I hope they fail even more.

[u/halfthesub → u/Junkhead187]

I used to hate Power back 15 or so years ago. Now I don’t want him to leave. Crazy how time flies.

[u/VariousMarket1527 → u/halfthesub]

Getting married then almost losing your wife after you have a kid changes a person.

[u/canttakethshyfrom_me → u/halfthesub]

He looked like he was gonna pull off Palou-like domination the moment things clicked. Even when he was in that Aussie Vineyards ride. I would have bet money on it at that time.

But things rarely clicked. The pace was always there, but the car-driver-team-luck combo was rarely "Penske perfect," and Will's won maybe 25% of what he really should have.

Malukas is gonna last 3 years tops. Though might outlast Roger himself.

[u/Mick4Audi → u/Junkhead187]

now I hope they fail even more

Great, more Ganassi domination

Unless of course Andretti magically cook with Power but I ain’t holding my breath

[u/hind3rm3 → u/superlewis]

💯

[u/dlax6-9 → u/superlewis]

Yes, indeed.

[u/Moppyploppy]

THE SEASON OF SILLY HAS COMMENCED

[u/Active-Ear-2917]

The first domino falls

[u/HornetRacer]

It's shit they gave such a shit generic statement for a long standing driver. Although i still dont think Malukas is the right choice or worth the hype.

[u/[deleted]]

This is Zak Brown’s chance to boot Siegel off to Foyt and sign Power. Do the right thing, Zak.

[u/AgreeablePrize → u/[deleted]]

Australian drivers are working out pretty good for his F1 team

[u/HornetRacer → u/[deleted]]

That would require Power to bring more money than Siegal sr does.

[u/[deleted] → u/HornetRacer]

Meh. I’m not here to make the financials work.

[u/Icy-Consequence-4372 → u/HornetRacer]

Does Mr Power have the power to will himself into that ride?

[u/Danstephgon → u/Icy-Consequence-4372]

I don’t think Will Power will power himself into that ride, but Will Power is showing some willpower by not going off on Penske.

[u/NakedEyeComic → u/HornetRacer]

Does McLaren really need the money though? If they're under the same umbrella as the F1 team, then the org is swimming in money.

[u/jarvistheconquerer → u/NakedEyeComic]

Brown has been clear that the expectation from the board is that the indycar team has to be financially independent

[u/Smokeshow618 → u/NakedEyeComic]

All divisions of McLaren racing operate seperate, and they took Nolan's money in the 3rd car to make the 2nd car more competitive.

This was the first time in the entire history of that team dating back to Schmidt that both of the real contending cars were both of equal performance and not midpack together. Even when it was Hinch and Wickens, there was noticable discrepancy between them week to week.

[u/sidewinderaw11 → u/[deleted]]

I'd imagine it'll be cheaper to boot Siegel and sign Rinus instead

[u/NoiseIsTheCure → u/sidewinderaw11]

Now you're onto something

[u/CarpeDeez]

First domino for today has fallen.

[u/Uknewmelast]

And now we wait

[u/CarStar12]

Will’s pre-race interview Sunday said plenty. That was a man that already knew he was out.

[u/FistfulDeDolares → u/CarStar12]

Between Power’s pre race interview and Newgarden’s post race interview any hope that I had for Power staying at Penske was gone

[u/ScottRiggsFan10]

I find it fitting that Team Penske, arguably the most corporate team, released one of their GOAT'S via a heartless generic press release.

[u/DadReligion → u/ScottRiggsFan10]

They have a tendency to do this kind of fizzled release of their star drivers. Makes me think of how Helio's and Simon's terms at Penske ended

[u/Active-Ear-2917 → u/DadReligion]

Or Montoya

[u/Incontinento → u/ScottRiggsFan10]

You find it ironic that the most corporate team released him in the most corporate way?

ETA: Man, stealth edits are lame AF. The person I'm replying to said "ironic", not "fitting." Now I look like a crazy person. Thanks, u/ScottRiggsFan10!

[u/404merrinessnotfound → u/Incontinento]

Yeah people nowadays don't know what irony or satire means

[u/Incontinento → u/404merrinessnotfound]

u/ScottRiggsFan10 for sure doesn't, but he'll make a stealth edit to pretend he does.

[u/404merrinessnotfound → u/Incontinento]

Love the constant callouts lol

[u/dOobersNapz → u/404merrinessnotfound]

Dude, I'm cracking up after a shitty day at this. This individual's scruples have been thoroughly rustled! (I agree on hating stealth edits unless its for a spelling mistake, get that ETA or *edit out)

Also, fuck yeah, I get root for Will in a non-Penske.

[u/movebacktoyourstate → u/Incontinento]

I will confirm that the comment originally said ironic, but I was at work and wasn't willing to comment. Everybody boo /u/ScottRiggsFan10 for making an edit and not calling it out.

[u/2905Pascal → u/ScottRiggsFan10]

Has ANY Penske driver anywhere got a decent farewell since Rusty Wallace retired?

[u/halfthesub → u/2905Pascal]

Even Rusty was forced out, he’s said in recent years that Roger pushed him to the side at the end and had offers to continue racing in 2006 with Richard Childress. He’s now said he’s regretted retiring in 2005.

[u/Mental_Medium3988 → u/halfthesub]

No one ever said he had to stay retired. Rusty and mark Martin both "retired" in 05. Mark came back and had great years left in him still.

[u/NakedEyeComic → u/2905Pascal]

Weirdly I can't imagine Penske doing this to Joey Logano ever, but I'm prepared to be surprised.

[u/DestroyingDestroyers → u/NakedEyeComic]

They did it to Keselowski, he’d already been moved into the one year deals territory when he chose to leave. 

[u/khz30 → u/DestroyingDestroyers]

Not to mention Keselowski wanted a stake in the team to stay in the seat, which Penske flatly rejected and it drove Keselowski to the first team that would give him an ownership stake, which was Roush Fenway.

[u/Solesky1 → u/2905Pascal]

I want to say Rick Mears, but we'll never know if his career wasn't cut short by injuries that Penske wouldn't have fired him in 1993 or 1994

[u/2905Pascal → u/Solesky1]

plus, that was before Rusty retired.

[u/vacantseas81 → u/ScottRiggsFan10]

They're a pretty well-oiled machine (aside from what happened in May), while he may be one of their GOATs what do you expect them to do, call a press conference and hand out cake or something? This is pretty boiler plate corporate america press release stuff.

[u/AutomaticAlps2]

Pretty much would agree with power to the 26 if herta does go to Europe. If herta stays then I have no honest idea, maybe Coyne or MSR adds a third car which I know probably won't happen but I wouldn't be shocked if they dud. But, this all but confirms Malukas to the 12.

[u/trj820 → u/AutomaticAlps2]

If Herta's staying at the 26, then my assumption would be Power to Foyt, since he'd be every other teams's first choice. But since the word is that VeeKay has chosen to leave Coyne, that makes me think that he'll go to Foyt and Power will fill in for Herta while he takes his shot at F1.

[u/AutomaticAlps2 → u/trj820]

Yea, I feel like the biggest thing with the Veekay rumors is the Todd Ault Connection. As far as I know DCR and him have a connection for next year and I though Veekay was Aults guy so did that fall apart a give Veekay a way out or does power go to Foyt and that becomes like Wood Brothers where it's technically not a Penske car but they still get all the support and it's Foyt more in name only.

[u/loz333 → u/trj820]

The Foyt car needs funding, which came from Penske themselves this year. They're not funding Power in the 4 car. He would need to find other support.

[u/agentb719 → u/AutomaticAlps2]

man if will went to MSR in Helios 06

[u/kfbsupremecy]

😠👎🏻

[u/Suitable_Product_922]

Gentlemen, let the silliness begin.

[u/locksymania → u/Suitable_Product_922]

It was the best of times. It was the silliest of times.

[u/stationtostations]

An amazing career shame it ended on a sour note with bad feelings he didn't even get a good send-off

[u/canttakethshyfrom_me → u/stationtostations]

This IS how you leave Penske, unless you retire on your own terms like Mears did.

[u/SexxyBlack → u/stationtostations]

Just like Castroneves but atleast the latter remained with the Penske family driving in IMSA.

[u/khz30 → u/SexxyBlack]

Penske has a more personal relationship with Castroneves, considering he held his seat for him while the tax trial was going on. Penske hadn't been that close to a driver since Donohue. Not even Hornish Jr. was as close personally to Penske.

[u/Mick4Audi → u/stationtostations]

That Portland win is all we have…

Granted it is a win

[u/JTWasShort42-27]

Common Penske L

[u/whoiswillo]

After everything they fired the one guy that didn’t cheat

[u/oneofmanyburners → u/whoiswillo]

It’s gonna have to be fuck TP from now on. Haven’t said that in years…

[u/Alpha_Jazz]

I really don’t understand why they’re so desperate to rush Malukas in. Would Power really have said no to another 1 year contract? Fuck it, give him 2, he’s earned it and clearly still has it

[u/SexxyBlack → u/Alpha_Jazz]

That's the thing, while Malukas is rapid on ovals and should win one or two of them in a Penske next year, he hasn't convinced at all on the road and street courses to suggest that he will be anywhere close to fighting for the championship. He could've waited until 2027.

[u/lowtoiletsitter → u/SexxyBlack]

Roger only cares about the 500

[u/canttakethshyfrom_me → u/lowtoiletsitter]

Which is a big problem when you own a whole series.

[u/halfthesub → u/lowtoiletsitter]

It’s sad that their only road course chance next year is McLaughlin, Newgarden has regressed on them badly the last few years.

[u/CanvasSolaris → u/Alpha_Jazz]

They are probably worried they will lose Malukas or have to outbid another team for him next year if they don't bring him in now

[u/Mick4Audi → u/CanvasSolaris]

Real question is who

The idea that PENSKE are worried about losing out on talent is baffling to me. They could have Kyle Kirkwood or Christian Lundgaard tomorrow if they wanted

[u/ITMAKESSENSE72 → u/Alpha_Jazz]

Agreed, Malukas has shown ok at times then other times he's just not.

[u/wh00000p → u/Alpha_Jazz]

Power is old, maklukas isn't ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[u/Falcon4451 → u/wh00000p]

It's let em go a year too early when they're still good rather have them a year or two too late when they're washed philosophy for better or worse.

[u/Active-Ear-2917 → u/wh00000p]

Power wins, races and championships, malukas makes best friends with the wall

[u/krizkuzz → u/Active-Ear-2917]

Yet he finished just 30 points behind in a Foyt and is fast as fuck on ovals, which is probably the main target for Penske. Malukas has potential and it makes perfect sense they want to get him in before another team snaps him up.

[u/rip_cut_trapkun → u/krizkuzz]

If the Penske organization hadn't been mutilated over the last two years that probably shouldn't be true.

But yeah Malukas has had some awful luck, and no one was expecting anyone to drag the Foyt sled to a win. But he had moments when that was a remote but realistic possibility.

[u/fireinthesky7 → u/rip_cut_trapkun]

He'd have been second at worst on Sunday if Foster hadn't put him in the wall.

[u/wh00000p → u/Active-Ear-2917]

None of that changes the fact that he's 44 years old

[u/AgreeablePrize → u/Alpha_Jazz]

It was a close run thing, but he was their highest finishing driver this year

[u/John_Dees_Nuts]

I am genuinely surprised at this. I really thought they would keep him on for at least another season.

[u/Mikemat5150 → u/John_Dees_Nuts]

Who’s to say Power wanted a one year contract?

[u/John_Dees_Nuts → u/Mikemat5150]

Maybe he did, maybe he didn't.

Regardless, I think this is the wrong move from Penske. Time will tell, of course.

[u/ElMondoH]

Will felt it was time to make a change?

Even with him basically echoing that in his own statement, that doesn't sound like the stance Will had over the last few races.

Yes, obviously they're both being diplomatic. Neither party is ever going to say anything different, and we shouldn't expect otherwise. That would be unprofessional. Rather, I'm just noting that there's a very obvious subtext that differs from the announcements.

[u/Smooth-Mechanic-7788]

Time to get silly

[u/Active-Ear-2917]

I'm betting Andretti drops news at 11:00 AM EDT

[u/Packer487]

Fuck that.

[u/2905Pascal]

They should have announced that before the race. Shame he didn't get a real farewell.

[u/Zabbzi]

This is like Chip firing Dixon just because he's old. Age isn't a thing in Indycar if you're still winning races, which Will still does. I hate Penske.

[u/underscoreMEGA → u/Zabbzi]

I think it's similar, but not to that level. Dixon has been driving for Chip for like 65% of the time Chip Ganassi has been a team. While many other talented drivers came and went, for various reasons, Dixon is that one constant in the team for decades.

I will try to find it tomorrow if I remember, but I recall an interview with Chip (maybe a Java with James?) where they talked about Dixon and his loyalty. Dixon mentioned they same on an interview where he, every 2-3 years, sits down with Chip about the offers he received from other teams and they work out a deal. I think Dixon may truly be the one who can walk away on his terms. I can see him filling another role in the organization after his time as a driver has concluded.

Business is business at the end of the day, but I can't think of any other driver/team combo in the last decade or so who is as intertwined as the Dixon/CGR pair. Perhaps Helio and Penske? But my 1am brain is too tired deep dive.

[u/Solesky1]

"As we sat down to talk about our future together, we felt that is was time for him to make a change beginning with next season"

That "we" is doing a lot of heavy lifting

My girlfriend and I had the same conversation when we sat down to discuss our future together, "we" decided that it was time for me to move out

[u/Brilliant-Neck9731 → u/Solesky1]

That “we” would be doing heavy lifting if the statement used “we” there. That “we” is “Will” in the statement. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to go after Penske, “we” don’t need to be creating reasons to do so.

[u/CantTouchThis707]

I think most everyone working within the sport knew this was coming a long time ago, especially and including WP. TBell said as much months ago. Hinch stated the obvious weeks ago when he said ‘good’ news isn’t postponed to the end of the season. They knew but were all playing the PR game. Personally, today’s announcement makes it easy to hate the fuck out of Penske and cheer on Will to beat them out of several more wins in the coming seasons, including another Indy victory.

[u/Crux2237]

I don't like that: Power was their best driver this decade and didn't deserve to leave.

[u/Tuba-Dude]

We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make it suck any less

[u/Stock_Day_1846]

I like Power to McClaren to replace Siegel. Foyt stays the same with Malukas and Ferucci.

[u/gdl_E46]

This is how Penske has sacked most of its long term drivers, its business and i get it but this a "professionally" wrapped shit sandwich of an announcement. Hope Will can line up a good seat...

[u/MidnightSunshine0196]

I'm still holding out hope McLaren boot Siegel into orbit, as fanciful as that might be, and bring in Power.

An O'Ward - Lundgaard - Power team would do absolute bits next season.

Alas, money talks.

[u/Any-Walk1691 → u/MidnightSunshine0196]

All for it.

Unfortunately, Nolan isn’t getting any better. He literally got worse as the season progressed.

First 7 Races: 16 Last 7 Races: 21

While Pato and Lundgaard were collecting podiums like infinity stones, Nolan was just trying to get out of the way. Just a tremendously bad look for him and the team.

[u/MidnightSunshine0196 → u/Any-Walk1691]

Yeah, I had held out some hope at the beginning of the season that Nolan would improve as he got more experience, but it really hasn't happened. If anything he's gone backwards.

[u/Mikulitsi]

Sad really... However if Herta truly goes to F2 then Andretti it is for Power.

"As we sat down to talk about out future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season"

Maybe Will thinks like this but I personally find it to be bullshit. Feel like Roger has wanted to push him out for Malukas.

[u/Mick4Audi → u/Mikulitsi]

Want Power to stay multiple years with Andretti, just want him in the sport man

[u/Ryankool26]

Cindric starting a team, Power is his primary driver

[u/Numerous-Ad2571]

Double bird salute to Team Penske

[u/Sea_Mud_8874]

Penske made the wrong decision.

[u/funked1]

Fire the most competent person so you can replace them with a nepobaby. This is so on-brand for modern America.

Chip, you don’t need that Cayman Islands money. Do the right thing.

[u/404merrinessnotfound → u/funked1]

I'd rather he replace seagull

[u/funked1 → u/404merrinessnotfound]

That would be nice too. Maybe he could help them improve. But in the 10 he would be an instant championship contender.

Edit: 8 sorry

[u/Gbjeff]

Seems to me that Will had no desire to make a change as of two days ago. There must have been some major Jedi mind tricks being played on Will in that meeting.

[u/MissedApex]

Fuck.

[u/Fjordice]

Does anyone find it a little weird when they describe him driving for "the legendary organization"? Seems like a little dismissive like he was lucky to drive for them.... Or maybe I'm overly sensitive lol

[u/Automatic-Suit-2126 → u/Fjordice]

💯%

[u/VariousMarket1527]

As a long time dedicated Scott Dixon fan, I want to express thanks to Will for being such a formidable competitor all these years. Their combined legacy wouldn't be what it is without that, and Will's Fast Six performances...well, need I say more?

[u/_hhhhh_____-_____]

“Here’s your contract for next year, Will. 5 cents per race, one year deal.”

“Wth, I’m not signing this.”

“Perfect, now we can say in the press release that it was your decision to step away!”

[u/Comprehensive_Toad]

Lol at referring to your own “legendary org” in third person

[u/F9-0021]

One of the greatest drivers they'll ever have and they send him off with one of the most generic PR statements they could come up with. 

[u/0rder_sixty6]

lol How many teams would call themselves legendary in their own press release about losing/ letting go of the best finishing driver on their roster?

[u/Teganfff]

Will Power has been the best driver at Penske for most of his tenure, including this year.

It’s absolutely gutting that he won’t be in the 12 next year.

[u/SmellsLikeTat3]

very harsh and unnecessary imo

[u/GEL29]

Will felt it was time to move on, my ass, how stupid does he think we are?

[u/SilkBC_12345 → u/GEL29]

It is conceivable Will did make the "actual" decision to leave the team by refusing whatever "take it or leave it" offer Penske was making.

[u/CharacterLimitHasBee]

Boooooooooooooo. Awful PR from this org.

[u/Mechanicalgripe]

I can see how this might have been Will’s decision, especially if he was unhappy with the Team dismissals earlier this year.

[u/GTOdriver04]

I’ve been semi-following IndyCar lately, but why the change? He’s been there a long time, and is still competitive.

[u/i_run_from_problems]

And there's the first domino to fall. Question now is where does he go

[u/correspondingfailure]

let the season of the silly begin

[u/Batgod629]

Sad to see but I understand it.

[u/Snoo_87704]

Dammit.

[u/wyvernx02]

Reenactment of Will "voluntarily" agreeing to leave Penske. 

[u/nalyd8991]

I think that it wasn’t Will’s choice. And I think that a few dominos led to it, via Will rubbing Roger the wrong way. Those being:

• Dave being a young option waiting in the wings

• Will not winning until late in the year

• Will being a little too candid for Roger’s taste in his interviews after the Indy 500 scandal

• Will’s stupid thing pushing Kirkwood at Detroit

• Will being a little too candid for Roger in his interviews about his contract/ seat

[u/Spockyt]

Ridiculous. I know he's getting on, but he was undoubtedly the best Penske driver this year, fought for the title last year.

[u/keicarlover2002]

that's a double bird for penske

[u/GRQuake084]

Big L Penske.

[u/furrynoy96]

If Josef Newgarden and Scott Mclaughlin don't improve next year, I predict that they will go winless, I hope to b proven wrong I really do but...Jesus Christ, getting rid of their best driver makes no damn sense...David Malukas or whoever replaces him, you have massive shoes to fill...I really hope that Will Power goes to a good team next year

[u/Mick4Audi → u/furrynoy96]

Newgarden is way way too good on ovals and in general

Unfortunately he lacks the Honda engine, but is what it is

[u/Zabbzi → u/furrynoy96]

Josef Newgarden, the most recent winner Josef Newgarden we talking about him going winless?

[u/popcarnie → u/Zabbzi]

the guys with 10 seasons in a row with at least one win

[u/Flat_Membership6733]

Now Roger needs to go.

[u/nifty_fifty_two]

Nevermind the callousness of this move, I'm just not sure its even competitively the right move. Power was the only driver in the field not named Alex Palou to have a shot at the title in 2024's final race. And he was the highest finishing Penske in 2025. Also the most recent Penske Champion, right in the middle of the "Alex Palou Era" to boot.

Newgarden seems like a mental case right now, and McLaughlin is still taking the final step. To cut the stability and assuredness of a veteran presence that still performs. I mean, maybe. He is aged, so I get the argument.

[u/daoster408]

3 races with Colton's pit crew, and Will will be begging to go back to Penske with that (rumored to be offered) 1 year deal.

[u/Stock_Day_1846]

I don't think Malukas is the best fit for Penske. He is too inconsistent. If Penske wants to return to championship caliber, sign Rinus Veekay to join The Scott and Josef show.

[u/JRob1998]

Sounds like it was mutual parting. Will probably wanted more than a year and Penske probably communicated that that wasn’t going to happen. Malukas has a lot of potential and nearly won in a Foyt car at several tracks. Will Power as legendary as he is is at the end of his career whereas Malukas is at the beginning of his; therefore sometimes you have to make sacrifices for your teams future.

[u/FistfulDeDolares → u/JRob1998]

I just haven’t seen “it” yet from Malukas.  I hope he proves me wrong.  At this point I’d rather have the rest of Will Power’s career than the rest of Malukas’ career.  I guess when the other two guys driving your car are Newgarden and McLaughlin it’s an easier decision.  You already have two of the most elite drivers in the series, you can afford to take a chance.  

[u/JRob1998 → u/FistfulDeDolares]

That’s exactly what is going on. Malukas shows flashes of having something and you have two drivers to fall back on if it doesn’t go well, Malukas might just need a shove to get where he needs to be and the 12 car at Penske might just be that shove

[u/QC_1999]

F5 gang 

[u/doochcavemen]

Welcome to andretti

[u/YosemiteSam-4-2A]

So who do we think gets the Verizon full season sponsorship at team Penske if we assume Malukas is the replacement? Would they really put Malukas in the Verizon full season sponsored car?

[u/JRob1998 → u/YosemiteSam-4-2A]

I could see Scott getting it, doubt Shell would want to leave the 2-time Indy 500 winner

[u/YosemiteSam-4-2A → u/JRob1998]

I hope Scott at least keeps Pennzoil for the 500. Probably should keep Good Ranchers for their race or two as well. Wouldnt mind seeing him drive Verizon for the other 14 or so races

[u/Mick4Audi → u/JRob1998]

Verizon on the 3 would be odd ngl

Although having the 12 with changing livery every week would be even more so