David Malukas joins Team Penske as Will Power departs

In a significant move within IndyCar racing, David Malukas, a 23-year-old driver from Chicago, has officially joined Team Penske as the newest driver for the 2026 season. Team Penske announced this news on September 18, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the career of Malukas, who takes over the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet from the legendary Will Power, who will be moving to Andretti Global. Malukas’ journey to this position is rooted in his impressive performances during the 2025 season with AJ Foyt Racing, where he finished 11th in the championship and frequently exceeded the expectations set by his team’s car capabilities. Throughout his IndyCar career, which began in 2022, Malukas has secured five top-five finishes and 16 top-ten finishes across 61 races, showcasing his potential as a_driver capable of competing at higher levels in the sport. Notably, he also received the Rookie of the Year award at the 2021 Indianapolis 500 and achieved outstanding results in subsequent races. While racing for AJ Foyt Racing, Malukas demonstrated substantial growth, especially in the latter part of the season, leading to speculation that he would be a prime candidate for a seat with a more competitive team. This speculation became reality when Team Penske secured his services in a multi-year deal, which signifies the team's confidence in his abilities to uphold the legacy of the No. 12 Chevrolet driven by Will Power. He acknowledges the weight of stepping into such a prestigious role and expresses gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the legend of Will Power and the recognition of the No. 12 car in the IndyCar series. Malukas will make his debut with Team Penske at the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, furthering his ambitions in a team that has consistently been at the forefront of motorsport success. As he prepares for this transition, the racing community eagerly anticipates Malukas’ performance and the impact he will have on Team Penske's future success, especially after the team aimed to bounce back from a challenging season. This move is not just career-defining for Malukas but could also be a turning point for Team Penske as they rebuild and strive for success in an evolving competitive environment.