P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It took until the after the 2025 campaign had finished, but the IndyCar silly season has jolted into life with Will Power’s bombshell Penske exit and now news that Colton Herta is Europe-bound. Jack Benyon looks at the consequences
The confirmation of Will Power’s departure from Team Penske marks the beginning of the 2026 IndyCar driver market reshuffle.
Despite Power’s consistent performance and improvement over the years, speculations about his exit to make way for David Malukas have been circulating for a while.
His decision to leave Penske opens doors to a high-caliber opportunity, suggesting a move to Andretti Global following Colton Herta’s potential shift to Formula 2.
The prospect of Power joining Andretti would strengthen the team and add to their competitiveness, enhancing the lineup’s diversity and capabilities.
As Power transitions, the focus also shifts to his replacement, with Malukas poised to step into his role at Penske, a move anticipated in the near future.
Meanwhile, Rinus VeeKay’s departure from Dale Coyne Racing adds another dimension to the evolving landscape of the 2026 IndyCar driver lineup, signaling further changes ahead in the series.
