Will Power, one of the most accomplished drivers in IndyCar history, faces an uncertain future as his contract with Team Penske expires on August 31, 2025. Despite his legendary record including a 2018 Indy 500 victory and two championships, Power has yet to finalize an agreement for the coming season with just three races left on the calendar.
Power’s impressive resume features 44 wins, the fourth most all time in open-wheel racing, and an unmatched 71 poles across 316 starts. His tenure with Team Penske, spanning 17 years, has been marked by consistency and greatness. However, as he approaches this contract crossroads at 44 years old, no definitive announcement has emerged, leaving fans and insiders wondering about his next move.
Roger Penske’s Optimism Contrasts with Lingering Uncertainty
Team Penske owner Roger Penske expressed confidence in mid-May that Power would return for the next season, dubbing him
“at the top of the list”
for the team’s future plans. However, as August approaches, contract talks appear to have stalled.
Roger Penske stated,
“
At the moment, we feel confident that he will be back. … He’s at the top of the list as far as what we might do next year.
”
This optimism has yet to translate into a finished deal, and Power himself remains guarded when asked about his future at Portland International Raceway, the site of his most recent victory.
Power conveyed uncertainty saying,
“
I think it’ll be Nashville [Superspeedway, the track hosting the final race of the season], maybe it’s during that weekend or after the weekend, I would say I would know more about what I’m doing,
”
and added,
“
I mean, it’s what I assume, they’ve been pretty busy, maybe before if they tell me something, but then also from the contract’s perspective, I think after Aug. 31st I’m free, so yeah, that’s sort of the date.
”
Driving for Victory Despite a Challenging Season
Though Power’s 2025 season has been difficult—marked by performance struggles, controversy, and a lack of consistent speed for Team Penske—he remains ninth in the overall points standings. He holds a comfortable margin over teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden.
Despite his age, the Australian racer’s passion for competing at the highest level is still evident. When asked about his racing goals, Power was clear:
“
It is still race wins and going for championships, the Indy 500, still the same burning in my belly, the desire for high performance and just competing at this really high level against some tough bloody people,
”
he said.
He also praised the quality of competition, stating,
“I mean, the whole field, like you can’t really pick a bad person in this field, so I just enjoy that. I can’t say that you’re ever dissatisfied with an IndyCar race, as far as an enjoyment level, obviously results can be tough, but it really feels like the best racing in the world. It’s very tough and the racing is good and there’s passing, and it is unpredictable. It’s all the things that you kind of want, in a series, so yeah, that’s why I want to keep going.”
Confidence in Skills and Speed Persists at Portland International Raceway
Power insists that at this stage, he remains competitive and continues to improve. He explained,
“
I’m at the top of my game, still loving it, still working at it, still learning stuff and still quick.
”
His speed was on display during qualifying at Portland International Raceway, where he secured a third-place starting position after Christian Lundgaard received a six-place grid penalty.
Reflecting on the qualifying session, Power noted,
“
The car wasn’t bad, it’s missing a little bit, but it’s pretty good. I was hoping to get in the top six. We kind of struggled in the first practice session, so we definitely could win from there. We could have a good day and win from that spot.
”
With Portland marking IndyCar’s final road course event of the season, a win here would be a powerful statement for Power and Team Penske, especially as neither has yet tasted victory in 2025. While a win wouldn’t guarantee him a contract extension, it could serve as a compelling reminder of his enduring talent and resolve.
Legacy, Passion, and the Road Ahead
Will Power’s potential departure would mark the end of an era for the sport, as few drivers have combined longevity and success like the Toowoomba native. His stated hunger for continued competition and championships demonstrates not only his love for racing but his belief that he still has much to offer.
As the 2025 season moves toward its conclusion with races remaining at Nashville Superspeedway and elsewhere, Power’s contract status will be one of the most closely watched storylines. Whether he returns to Team Penske or explores new opportunities, his impact on IndyCar racing is already significant and ongoing.