Will Power Set to Driver No. 26 for Andretti Global in Energetic 2026 Season

Well, folks, hold onto your hats. In a move that sent shockwaves through the IndyCar paddock, Andretti Global dropped a bombshell: Will Power, the two-time series champion and Team Penske stalwart, is jumping ship. Starting in 2026, the Australian powerhouse will slide into the cockpit of the No. 26 Andretti Honda, a seat still warm from Colton Herta’s departure to the siren song of Formula 1.

The Power Shift: Why Now?

You have to wonder what’s going through Roger Penske’s mind. The day after Team Penske announced Power’s departure, Andretti was ready with a full-blown press release, welcoming their new star. The timing is so tight it squeaks. It all paints a picture of a deal that was likely in the works for a while, a well-kept secret in a world where secrets are currency.

For Power, this isn’t just a team change; it’s a monumental career pivot. He’s not some rookie looking for a break. He’s a living legend with 45 wins, a record 71 poles, and an Indianapolis 500 victory to his name. This move screams of a man who isn’t ready to ride off into the sunset. He’s looking for a jolt, a new challenge, and let’s be honest, probably a team that’s hungry to build around a veteran with his caliber of raw, unadulterated power.

In his own words, “Sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.” You can almost feel the mix of relief and excitement in that statement. After so long in one system, even a winning one like Penske’s, the routine can become a gilded cage.

Andretti’s Masterstroke: Replacing a Phenom With a Legend

Andretti Global was in a tough spot. Losing Colton Herta, their young, electrifying star, to the Cadillac F1 project was a massive blow. Herta was the future. So, how do you replace a guy like that? You don’t. Instead, you sign a guy who was in the past and is determined to dominate the present.

Andretti Global President Jill Gregory couldn’t have said it better, calling Power a “fierce competitor whose record speaks for itself.“ It’s a savvy move. They’re not just filling a seat; they’re injecting a massive dose of championship DNA into their lineup. Pairing Power with the aggressive talent of Kyle Kirkwood and the strategic mind of Marcus Ericsson creates a formidable trio. It’s a blend of experience and youthful fire that could be the key to breaking Chip Ganassi Racing’s recent stranglehold on the championship.

This isn’t just about driving. Power brings over 20 years of technical feedback, race craft, and an almost maniacal will to win. He knows what a winning car feels like, and his ability to dial in a setup is second to none. That’s invaluable knowledge for a team looking to find that extra tenth of a second.

What Does This Mean for the IndyCar Landscape?

This transfer of power reshuffles the entire deck. Team Penske, the empire of IndyCar, has lost one of its crown jewels. Who fills that void? The “silly season” is officially in overdrive. Meanwhile, Andretti has just declared they are all-in. They aren’t rebuilding; they are reloading as dramatically as possible.

For Power, it’s a gamble. He’s moving to a team that has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. He’s also switching to a Honda engine after years of being a Chevy guy. One thing is certain: Will Power in an Andretti car is going to be must-see TV. Will it be a glorious final chapter or a frustrating swan song?