In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the IndyCar community, veteran driver Will Power has officially announced his retirement, confirming that the 2025 season will be his final one behind the wheel. The two-time IndyCar Series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner made the announcement as his contract with Team Penske nears its expiration, marking the end of a remarkable 16-year tenure with the iconic team. Alongside this revelation, Power dropped a bombshell regarding the recent controversies surrounding Team Penske, offering candid insights into the turmoil that has plagued the organization this season.

Will Power, now 44, has been a cornerstone of Team Penske since joining in 2009, amassing 45 career victories, 71 pole positions, and two championships (2014 and 2022). His record-breaking pole count surpassed even the legendary Mario Andretti, cementing his status as one of IndyCar’s all-time greats. However, the 2025 season has been tumultuous for both Power and Team Penske, marked by performance struggles and off-track controversies. Power’s decision to retire comes amid ongoing speculation about his future, with his contract set to expire and no extension offered by team owner Roger Penske.

The announcement was made during a press conference following the Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250, where Power expressed frustration over stalled contract negotiations. “I’ve given everything to this team for over a decade,” Power said. “But with the way things have unfolded this year, I feel it’s time to step away. I’m still driving at my peak, but I want to leave on my terms.” His comments echoed sentiments he shared earlier in the season, emphasizing his belief that he remains competitive. Power’s victory at the Grand Prix of Portland earlier this month, Team Penske’s sole win of 2025, underscored his enduring talent, making his retirement announcement all the more unexpected.

Power’s decision is set against the backdrop of Team Penske’s challenging season, which has been marred by two significant technical violations. The first scandal emerged in April 2024, when IndyCar discovered that Team Penske’s cars had illegal access to the push-to-pass system during starts and restarts, a mechanism meant to be disabled at those times. Power, who was unaware of the issue until after the Long Beach race, was docked 10 points and fined $25,000, though he was not accused of wrongdoing. His teammate, Josef Newgarden, lost a victory at St. Petersburg due to the infraction, which Roger Penske called “embarrassing” for the organization.

The second controversy erupted before the 2025 Indianapolis 500, when Power and Newgarden’s cars failed inspection due to a modified rear attenuator, a safety component. Although IndyCar found no evidence of performance gains, the violation led to severe penalties, including both drivers starting at the back of the 33-car field. The fallout was seismic: Roger Penske dismissed three top executives—team president Tim Cindric, managing director Ron Ruzewski, and general manager Kyle Moyer—after what Power described as a “sleepless night” for the team owner. Power expressed sympathy for Penske, noting the external pressure from rival team owners as a driving factor in the firings. “It was a tough call, but those were good people who lost their jobs over something minor,” he said.

In his retirement announcement, Power did not shy away from addressing the scandals directly. “The team’s been through a lot, and it’s taken a toll,” he stated. “I’ve always believed in the integrity of this organization, but these incidents have cast a shadow. I hope Penske can rebuild and move forward, but it’s been a rough year for everyone involved.” His remarks have sparked debate about the team’s direction, especially as rumors swirl that David Malukas, currently with A.J. Foyt Racing, could replace Power in 2026.

Power’s retirement marks the end of an era for Team Penske and IndyCar. His fierce competitiveness, strategic brilliance, and unyielding passion have defined his career, earning him endorsements from peers like Graham Rahal, who called him “an asset” to any team. As Power prepares for his final race in Nashville, the IndyCar paddock braces for a seismic shift. His departure, coupled with his candid remarks about Team Penske’s struggles, leaves a complex legacy—one of triumph, resilience, and a call for accountability in a sport he has shaped for nearly two decades.