IndyCar Series titlist Alex Palou's victorious streak remains unabated, earning him his fourth championship title.
Will Power's Future with Team Penske Uncertain as Contract Renewal Remains Unsigned
In a significant shakeup for IndyCar racing, Will Power's contract with Team Penske beyond the 2025 season remains unsigned as of August 2025, with an official decision expected by the end of the month. Power, a veteran driver with an impressive record, has been a mainstay with Team Penske for 17 seasons, winning 45 races and breaking Mario Andretti's pole position record with 71 poles [1][5].
Despite his impressive performance, including wins in the 2014 and 2022 IndyCar Series Championships and the 2018 Indianapolis 500, Power himself has stated that he has "no clue" when or if a deal for 2026 will be signed [1][5]. Team Penske’s president, Jonathan Diuguid, has been noncommittal about Power’s future, focusing instead on the remainder of the season [1][5].
Rumors and insider reports suggest that Team Penske is preparing to replace Power with David Malukas, a promising young driver from AJ Foyt Racing, for the 2026 season [3][4]. Malukas, although yet to secure a race win, has shown potential with podium finishes. This potential replacement represents a shift in Team Penske's traditional driver selection, as they have rarely signed unproven drivers in recent decades [3].
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Alex Palou clinched his fourth NTT IndyCar Series Championship with a third-place finish in the August 10 Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland. Palou displayed his usual fierce tenacity during the race, even attempting to pass for second place in the closing laps [6][7]. However, a bid for third place was not enough to secure a race win, as Palou was bumped off the track while attempting to pass Christian Lundgaard for second place [6].
Despite the setback, Palou's third-place finish was enough to clinch his fourth NTT IndyCar Series Championship, making him the 30th driver in NTT IndyCar Series history to win the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series championship in the same season [8]. Palou's achievements are a testament to his resilience and determination, qualities that have served him well in his racing career.
As the IndyCar season progresses, the future of Will Power with Team Penske remains a hot topic of discussion. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await the official decision, which is expected by the end of August 2025.
[1] - IndyCar.com [2] - RACER [3] - The Race [4] - Autosport [5] - ESPN [6] - NBC Sports [7] - CBS Sports [8] - IndyStar
- The uncertainty around Will Power's future with Team Penske has sparked a flurry of speculation in the sports world, as his contract remains unsigned beyond the 2025 season.
- Meanwhile, in the NTT IndyCar Series Championship, Pato O' Ward's Chip Ganassi Racing team faces stiff competition from Team Penske, Roger Penske's renowned squad, adding another layer of intrigue to the grand prix races ahead.
