As the 2025 IndyCar season approaches its finale, Colton Herta has expressed his honest opinion on the rumor that two-time series champion Will Power might join him at Andretti Global in 2026. After a 17-year tenure with Team Penske, it appears almost certain that the 44-year-old driver will part ways with the outfit at the end of the season.
Despite being Team Penske’s strongest and most dependable driver compared to teammates Scott McLaughlin and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, the team seems to be moving in a different direction by reportedly planning to place AJ Foyt Racing’s David Malukas in the No. 12 Chevy.
While speculation mounts over Power’s next move, the latest possibility involves a switch to Andretti Global, following a prediction made by RLL driver Graham Rahal. During the media sessions before the Milwaukee Mile 250 race weekend, Herta was asked about welcoming Power to Andretti Global.
“I think it’d be pretty cool. I’ve got a lot of respect for Will and what he’s able to do,” Herta said via FrontStretch. “It’s a bizarre scenario to think that he wouldn’t be at Penske next year. But I think he’s a really good driver, so I’d accept him.”
One challenge for this move is that all three of Andretti Global’s current drivers—Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, and Colton Herta—already have contracts for 2026. However, with Kirkwood earning three wins this season and Ericsson experiencing a difficult year, it appears likely that Ericsson could be the one to make way for Power’s arrival.
Will Power Reflects on His Mental Strength Following Portland Victory
Before his potential team switch, Will Power provided insight into his mindset after ending Team Penske’s winless streak at the Grand Prix of Portland. Despite this season’s struggles, the 2018 Indy 500 winner used a strategic pit stop advantage to take the lead and hold off Christian Lundgaard, securing his 45th career win.
Power’s wife, Elizabeth, mentioned the relief felt by the family as a “huge burden” was lifted. Echoing this, Power stated ahead of the 2025 Milwaukee Mile 250 that his recent victory had positively influenced everyone on the team. When asked if the win changed his mentality going forward, he replied (via FrontStretch):
“It does. Yeah, it does. Everyone in the team is more positive. Bit of a weight lifted off the shoulders, I reckon, for everyone, not just me. You kind of feel it in the engineering office. So (feels) very nice.”
The Milwaukee Mile, a 1.8-mile short oval, is known as a stronghold for Team Penske. At the recent double-header, Power finished second in the first race and tenth in the second race, with teammate Scott McLaughlin taking the victory in the latter event.
Implications for Will Power’s Future and Andretti Global’s Lineup
Should Will Power move to Andretti Global in 2026, it would mark a significant shift within IndyCar, ending one of the longest driver–team partnerships in recent history. The decision also means a reshuffle at Andretti Global, most likely resulting in Marcus Ericsson’s departure to free up space for Power.
This potential move brings a new dynamic to the competition, as Power’s extensive experience could bolster Andretti Global’s prospects, while opening new career chapters for drivers involved in the lineup changes. Fans and analysts alike will closely monitor developments as team announcements and contract confirmations unfold in the coming months.