Graham Rahal hints at Will Power’s bright future as he ‘likely’ will join Andretti Global in 2026 instead of staying at team Penske “SCANNY”

The IndyCar paddock is buzzing with speculation as the 2025 season nears its conclusion, with one of the biggest storylines revolving around the future of two-time champion Will Power. The Team Penske veteran, who recently ended the team’s winless streak with a commanding victory at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland, faces an uncertain future with his current squad as his contract nears its end. Graham Rahal, a respected voice in the IndyCar Series and driver for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), has added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Power could be headed to Andretti Global in 2026, a move that would mark a significant shift in the series’ competitive landscape.

Power’s situation has been a focal point of IndyCar’s silly season, with his status at Team Penske uncertain despite his proven track record. The 45-time race winner, who also claimed the 2018 Indianapolis 500, has been a cornerstone of Penske’s success, amassing 244 wins and 17 championships for the team. However, recent comments from Rahal indicate that Power’s tenure with the organization may be drawing to a close. Speaking ahead of the Portland race, Rahal praised Power’s abilities, stating that he would be a “great asset” to any team, including his own RLL outfit, but hinted that Andretti Global might be the frontrunner to secure Power’s services. This speculation comes amid reports that Team Penske has delayed contract talks with Power, leaving the door open for rival teams to pursue the Australian driver.

Andretti Global, a powerhouse in IndyCar with drivers like Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, and Marcus Ericsson, could benefit immensely from Power’s experience and speed. The team has been a consistent contender but has not won a championship since 2012. Power’s addition could provide the edge needed to challenge the likes of Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske for the title. Rahal’s comments suggest that discussions may already be underway, though he remained coy about the specifics, noting, “I don’t know where Will goes. I don’t know what Will does.” This ambiguity has only intensified speculation about Power’s next move.

The backdrop to this potential transfer is Team Penske’s challenging 2025 season. Despite Power’s Portland triumph, the team has struggled, with only three wins across its Chevrolet-powered entries. Technical violations during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying led to significant upheaval, including the dismissal of key personnel like president Tim Cindric. These issues, combined with Roger Penske’s dual role as team owner and IndyCar series owner, have raised questions about the team’s direction. Some in the paddock, including Rahal, have expressed frustration with Penske’s management, with Rahal recently criticizing the team’s handling of Power’s contract situation. This tension may be pushing Power to consider new opportunities.

For Power, a move to Andretti Global would represent a fresh start at age 44. His recent performance at Portland, where he outpaced Christian Lundgaard and Alex Palou in a thrilling three-way battle, proves he remains a top-tier competitor. Power himself addressed doubts about his ability, stating, “If you’re a team and you’re waiting on me to know if I’m good enough, just go back to last year and you’ll know.” His confidence underscores his value to any team, but Andretti’s technical alliance with Honda and its ambitious plans could make it an ideal fit.

Rahal’s endorsement of Power highlights the respect he commands within the IndyCar community. As a veteran driver with 18 Indianapolis 500 starts and six career wins, Rahal’s perspective carries weight. He has emphasized Power’s potential to elevate any team, noting that his departure from Penske would be a significant loss. However, Rahal also acknowledged the financial realities of IndyCar, where driver funding often plays a role. While RLL could theoretically pursue Power, their current lineup of Rahal, Louis Foster, and Devlin DeFrancesco is locked in for 2026, making Andretti a more likely destination.

As the 2025 season approaches its finale in Nashville, Power’s future remains a key narrative. Whether he joins Andretti Global or finds another path, his next move will reshape IndyCar’s competitive dynamics. For now, Rahal’s comments have set the stage for a blockbuster transfer, with Power poised to continue his illustrious career with a new team, ready to chase more victories and perhaps another championship.

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