BREAKING NEWS: Will Power declares he will defeat Team Penske after Roger Penske’s “DAMN” scheme to delay his move to Andretti Global and ruin his career at INDYCAR.

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, veteran driver Will Power has publicly declared his intention to dominate and defeat his former team, Team Penske, in the 2026 season. The Australian star, a two-time series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, made the bold statement amid lingering bitterness over what he and some observers describe as a calculated maneuver by team owner Roger Penske to hinder his transition to Andretti Global.

Power’s move to Andretti Global, announced in September 2025, marked the end of an era. After 17 years and more than 300 starts with Team Penske—during which he amassed 45 victories, a series-record 71 pole positions, and countless laps led—the 44-year-old driver opted not to accept a short-term extension offer from his long-time employer. Instead, he signed with Andretti Global, now under the ownership of TWG Motorsports and Dan Towriss, to drive the No. 26 Honda alongside teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson.

The switch was seen as a fresh start for Power, who brings veteran leadership to a team aiming to reclaim its status as a top contender in the series.

However, the departure was far from amicable. Power’s contract with Team Penske extended through December 31, 2025, and the organization enforced its terms strictly. This prevented Power from beginning work with Andretti Global until January 1, 2026. The delay meant the driver was effectively sidelined during the offseason preparations, unable to integrate with his new team, test equipment, or contribute to development until the new year.

Power and analysts have labeled this enforcement as a “shrewd” or even punitive tactic by Roger Penske, who was reportedly displeased with Power’s decision to leave after being offered only a one-year extension late in the 2025 season.

The frustration boiled over in recent interviews, where Power expressed deep resentment toward how the split unfolded. He described feeling “crushed” by the animosity from Penske during the final months of 2025, with the contract hold effectively parking him and limiting his ability to prepare for the future. In one pointed comment, Power highlighted Roger Penske’s approach as a deliberate scheme that not only delayed his integration but also threatened to undermine his momentum and career trajectory in INDYCAR at a stage when many drivers begin to wind down.

Some in the paddock have echoed this sentiment, viewing the move as uncharacteristic of the usually professional relationship between Power and Penske, who had built one of the most successful driver-team partnerships in modern open-wheel racing.

Power wasted no time making his intentions clear once the calendar flipped to 2026. On New Year’s Day, he marked the moment symbolically with a midnight run dressed in Andretti gear. Just two days later, he was at the Andretti shop, meeting his new crew, sitting in the car, and diving into preparations. Recent preseason testing at Phoenix Raceway saw Power back behind the wheel of an Indy car for the first time in Andretti colors since his early career days.

He admitted to initially feeling out of place after nearly two decades in the iconic Penske environment but quickly adapted, emphasizing that the core processes remain the same.

“I’m not ready to retire,” Power stated emphatically after his first test sessions with Andretti. He stressed his hunger to compete at the highest level, entering his 20th full-time season with renewed motivation.

More strikingly, he laid out his primary goal for the year: “There’s nothing more I want to do this year than beat Penske every single weekend.” The declaration has been interpreted as a direct challenge to his former team, one fueled by personal pride and a desire to prove that Penske made a grave error in letting him go—or, as some interpret it, in not valuing him sufficiently with a longer-term commitment.

The backstory adds layers to the drama. Throughout much of 2025, Power’s contract status was a major topic in the INDYCAR world. Despite performing strongly—he was among the top performers on the Penske roster—negotiations soured over the length of any extension. Penske, perhaps prioritizing younger talent like potential replacement David Malukas, offered only a single year, which Power saw as a lack of faith in his abilities at age 44. The rejection of that offer led to the split, but the enforcement of the contract end date created additional tension.

Power has not shied away from calling out what he perceives as an attempt to “ruin” his transition, framing it as a personal affront after years of loyalty and success.

Team Penske, meanwhile, has moved forward with its 2026 lineup, focusing on continuity with drivers like Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin. The organization has not publicly commented extensively on Power’s remarks, but the paddock is buzzing with anticipation for how this rivalry will play out on track. Andretti Global, eager to leverage Power’s experience to boost its competitiveness, views him as a key piece in rebuilding efforts following recent changes.

As the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season approaches, all eyes will be on the No. 26 Andretti Honda and its driver. Power’s vow to make Penske “regret” the decision sets the stage for a compelling narrative of redemption, rivalry, and revenge. With preseason preparations underway and the opening races on the horizon, the series could witness one of its most personal battles in years. Whether Power can translate his determination into victories against his old team remains to be seen, but his fiery resolve has already ensured that this storyline will dominate headlines throughout the campaign.