The dramatic shift in IndyCar’s driver landscape took a sharp turn when veteran driver Will Power delivered a pointed critique of his former team during a pre-season press conference ahead of the Indianapolis 500 buildup. Now racing with Andretti Global, Power declared, “My desire has always been to win, that’s why I had to leave Team Penske.” His words sent ripples through the paddock, marking a rare public airing of grievances from one of the series’ most accomplished and loyal figures.
Power, the Australian driver who spent 17 seasons with Team Penske—amassing two NTT IndyCar Series championships (2014 and 2022), 71 poles (an all-time record), and a coveted 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory—ended his tenure with the organization in late 2025 amid contract uncertainties. What began as negotiations for an extension reportedly devolved into months of silence and perceived disrespect, leaving Power feeling undervalued despite his contributions. He ultimately declined a short-term offer from Penske and opted for a fresh start at Andretti Global, joining Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson under the team’s new ownership structure with TWG Motorsports and Dan Towriss.
In his candid remarks, Power expressed deep frustration with the environment at Team Penske in his final months. He claimed the team lacked genuine belief in his ability to compete for top honors, particularly at high-stakes events like the Indy 500. According to Power, he felt treated as expendable, with the organization’s priorities shifting toward maintaining sponsor appeal through steady results rather than pushing aggressive development on the car. He described the Dallara chassis program as stagnant in his view, suggesting the team had grown comfortable resting on past successes instead of innovating to chase victories.
This perception, he said, fueled his decision to depart, as his core motivation remained unchanged: winning races and championships.
The comments struck a chord in the close-knit IndyCar community, where loyalty to teams like Penske—owned by racing icon Roger Penske—runs deep. Power’s tenure had been defined by consistency and professionalism, making his outspoken criticism all the more surprising. Many interpreted it as a reflection of accumulated frustrations from a challenging 2025 season for Penske, which included internal changes, staff departures, and on-track struggles for the once-dominant squad.
Almost immediately after Power’s press conference remarks surfaced, teammate-turned-rival Josef Newgarden, still with Team Penske and a two-time Indy 500 winner, issued a concise 12-word response that quickly circulated online and in media circles. While the exact phrasing varied slightly in reports, it carried a tone of measured rebuke, reminding Power of the achievements and support he had received over nearly two decades. Many observers viewed Newgarden’s reply as a classy yet firm reminder that Power’s success had been built within the Penske structure, and that airing such grievances publicly came across as ungrateful or arrogant to some.
The message highlighted shared history and collective triumphs, subtly contrasting with Power’s narrative of feeling sidelined.
The exchange underscored the emotional undercurrents of driver-team separations in professional motorsport. Power has since emphasized his determination to channel any lingering resentment into performance on track. In early 2026 interviews, he spoke openly about his motivation to outperform Penske each weekend, describing it as a personal mission to prove doubters wrong. At Andretti Global, Power has embraced a leadership role, working closely with the team to elevate its competitiveness. The squad, hungry to reclaim top-tier status after years of inconsistency, views Power’s experience—particularly his oval expertise and qualifying prowess—as invaluable for challenging Penske and other frontrunners.
Penske, for its part, has moved forward with a revamped lineup, focusing on continuity with drivers like Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin while integrating new talent and resources. The organization has not directly addressed Power’s specific allegations in detail, choosing instead to highlight its legacy and ongoing commitment to excellence. Roger Penske himself has expressed confidence in the team’s direction, acknowledging the business realities of contract discussions without delving into personal dynamics.
As the 2026 season approaches, with the iconic Indianapolis 500 looming as a focal point, all eyes will be on how this rivalry unfolds. Power’s move represents a bold bet on himself in the later stages of his career, trading the security of a powerhouse team for the chance to rebuild another. Andretti Global has already shown signs of progress, unveiling Power’s No. 26 Honda livery with fresh branding from TWG AI and Gainbridge influences, signaling ambition.
For fans, the story adds intrigue to a series known for its parity and intense competition. Power’s drive to “make Penske regret” his departure could produce compelling battles, especially on ovals where his pedigree shines. Whether his criticisms prove prophetic or fade amid strong results remains to be seen, but the narrative has injected fresh energy into IndyCar’s pre-season conversations.
Newgarden’s succinct reply served as a poignant counterpoint, reminding everyone that success in this sport is rarely solitary. It highlighted the bonds formed over years of shared victories and challenges, even as paths diverge. Power, now in black-and-yellow, carries the weight of his words into every session, fueled by a desire not just to win, but to validate his choice. The coming races will test whether this split proves liberating or regrettable—for both driver and teams involved.
