The IndyCar community was rocked this week by the announcement that Will Power, a two-time series champion and one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, will not return to Team Penske for an 18th season in 2026. The decision, confirmed on September 2, 2025, has sparked widespread debate, with many pointing fingers at team owner Roger Penske for what they perceive as a mishandled exit for a driver who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. Among those expressing frustration is six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, whose candid remarks have added fuel to the controversy, highlighting tensions within the sport and raising questions about loyalty, legacy, and the treatment of its biggest stars.

Will Power’s departure from Team Penske marks the end of a storied era. With 45 career victories, ranking fourth all-time behind A.J. Foyt, Scott Dixon, and Mario Andretti, and a record 71 pole positions, Power has been a dominant force in IndyCar. His tenure with Penske, spanning 17 years, included two championships in 2014 and 2022, a 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory, and 42 of his career wins. Despite a challenging 2025 season for Team Penske, Power remained their standout performer, securing the team’s only victory of the year at the Grand Prix of Portland. Yet, as speculation about his future grew, no contract extension was offered, leaving Power to seek a new team at age 44.

Scott Dixon, a long-time rival and one of IndyCar’s most respected figures, did not hold back in his criticism of how Penske handled Power’s exit. Speaking on the Speed Street Podcast, Dixon described Team Penske’s 2025 season as “bizarre” and their qualifying performances as unexpectedly weak, suggesting deeper issues within the organization. His comments took a sharper turn when addressing Power’s departure, implying that Penske’s decision to let go of a driver of Power’s caliber without a proper send-off was disrespectful not only to the driver but to the entire IndyCar fanbase. “It’s a bad look,” Dixon said, echoing sentiments he expressed earlier this year regarding a separate controversy involving Penske’s team at the Indianapolis 500. “When you’ve got a guy like Will, who’s given so much to the sport and the team, you don’t just let him walk away like that.”

The backdrop to Dixon’s frustration is a tumultuous year for Team Penske. In May 2025, the team faced significant penalties following a technical violation during Indy 500 qualifying, where illegally modified rear accentuators were found on the cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power. The fallout led to the dismissal of key team personnel, including president Tim Cindric, and intensified scrutiny on Penske, who owns both the team and IndyCar itself. Dixon, a Chip Ganassi Racing driver, emphasized the need for integrity in the sport, particularly in a global event like the Indy 500. His remarks suggest that Power’s exit is another misstep in a year of questionable decisions by Penske, further eroding trust among drivers and fans.

Power himself expressed gratitude for his time with Penske, calling it “the honor of my life” to race for the team. However, his comments also hinted at a personal desire for change, stating that he felt it was the right time to move on. Despite this, many in the IndyCar community believe Penske should have done more to honor Power’s contributions, perhaps by ensuring a more ceremonial exit or a clearer path forward. Posts on X reflect fan disappointment, with some calling the move a “slap in the face” to Power’s legacy and others speculating about his next destination, potentially with Andretti Global if Colton Herta pursues a Formula 2 opportunity.

For Dixon, the issue seems personal as well as professional. As one of only two constants in IndyCar over the past 16 years—alongside Power in the Penske #12 car—Dixon’s comments carry weight. His own career, marked by 59 wins and a 2008 Indy 500 victory, gives him a unique perspective on the demands of loyalty and respect in a sport where drivers risk everything. The 2025 season, which concluded with Alex Palou clinching the championship at Nashville Superspeedway, saw Team Penske struggle, with Power finishing eighth, Scott McLaughlin tenth, and Newgarden sixteenth in the standings. Dixon, finishing fourth, outperformed all Penske drivers, adding context to his pointed critique.

As IndyCar looks ahead to 2026, the fallout from Power’s departure raises broader questions about the sport’s direction under Penske’s leadership. Fans and drivers alike are left wondering whether the pursuit of younger talent, such as David Malukas, who is rumored to replace Power, justifies sidelining a legend. For now, Dixon’s outspokenness serves as a reminder that in IndyCar, legacy matters, and the manner of Power’s exit may leave a lasting stain on Penske’s otherwise illustrious reputation. The 2026 season, starting March 1 in St. Petersburg, will test whether the sport can move forward without alienating its core supporters.