IndyCar driver Will Power appears likely to join Andretti Global in 2026, according to veteran racer Graham Rahal. Power, a two-time IndyCar champion, is currently in the final year of his contract with Team Penske, and the team is expected to replace him with David Malukas for the upcoming season.
Several teams had reportedly shown interest in signing Power for 2026. Meyer Shank Racing was one option, but they secured Marcus Armstrong with a contract extension, closing their doors to Power. Other teams mentioned in connection with Power include Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) and AJ Foyt Racing.
Despite initial speculation about RLL, Rahal, who races for that team, suggested in a podcast that Power’s most probable destination is Andretti Global, a team known for offering substantial salaries to its drivers.
Graham Rahal’s Insights on Power’s Potential Move to Andretti Global
Rahal shared his thoughts during the Speed Street podcast hosted by fellow driver Conor Daly. When asked about Power’s 2026 plans, Rahal commented on the financial strength of Andretti Global and its ability to attract top talent:
“I have a sneaky suspicion it’s Andretti. He hasn’t said that to me. Oriol (Servia, Power’s manager) hasn’t said that to me. But that’s just the feeling. Money is no object for those guys right now. Their drivers’ salaries over there, we would all… I mean they are so far above everybody else. Like Colton’s on a different stratosphere, but even everybody else. I could be way off base, but I feel like that’s the most likely position for him.”
Andretti Global currently pays Colton Herta an impressive $7 million annually, making him IndyCar’s highest-paid driver. Kyle Kirkwood, who has claimed three wins this season, reportedly earns $3.5 million, while Marcus Ericsson, who joined Andretti Global in 2024, receives $3 million per year.
With all three drivers under contract through 2026, adding Power may require the team to release a driver, with Ericsson being the probable candidate. The 2022 Indy 500 winner is experiencing a difficult season, ranking 20th in the standings with only two races left in 2025.
Rahal Clarifies RLL’s Position on Signing Will Power for 2026
Before the 2025 Grand Prix of Portland, Power expressed frustration over his uncertain status with Team Penske. He described the delay in a contract decision until the season finale at the end of August as “stressful.”
Rahal had earlier praised Power’s potential value to RLL, especially after Power’s victory at Portland, which ended a challenging season for Team Penske. Reflecting on Power’s performance, Rahal stated:
“If I were Team Penske, I don’t think I would let him go. But that’s just me.”
This contributed to speculation that Power might move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. However, Rahal later clarified during the podcast that RLL is unlikely to be Power’s next team:
“It’s not us. I mean, I would love to have Will because I think our team is on the verge of really going forward. And I think Willy, he could really help us in that regard. But it’s not us. Everybody, I know the assumption, but I think we’re pretty locked in (with our drivers).”
Power has been the top performer for Team Penske in 2025, currently standing sixth in the driver standings with two races remaining. His teammates, Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, hold 11th and 18th places, respectively.
Implications of Power’s Potential Switch to Andretti Global
With Will Power’s uncertain status at Team Penske and the strong financial backing of Andretti Global, the move would represent a significant shift in IndyCar‘s driver lineup for 2026. Power’s experience and proven track record could bolster Andretti Global’s competitiveness ahead of the new season.
This transition would also alter the team dynamics, likely impacting current drivers, especially Marcus Ericsson, who might lose his seat to accommodate Power. The change could further intensify competition among teams as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.