P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Even a first double-podium of the IndyCar season can’t mask the fact that this has been a deeply disappointing campaign for the still-winless Penske. What’s behind its slump?
While Team Penske showed signs of a comeback with a 2-3-4 finish at Iowa Speedway, they struggled the next day, with two DNFs and a car that should have won finishing 10th in the double-header race.
Before the Iowa races, Penske had an average finish of 19.73 over the previous five races, well below their usual standard.
Despite the challenges, it would be oversimplifying to label Penske as a team in crisis based solely on results.
The season has seen tension, missed opportunities, underperformance, and even a high-profile rule breach, but there’s also potential for growth and unity in overcoming adversities as a team.
This season is a defining moment in Team Penske’s long history, with the drivers facing their own set of challenges and external issues affecting their performance.
