Power signs with Andretti Global

Will Power will join Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson in 2026 as the newest member of Andretti Global’s IndyCar Series team.

His placement in the No.26 Honda was made possible by the team’s decision to shift Colton Herta’s focus to Europe and preparations for the Cadillac F1 program owned by Andretti’s parent company.

Power’s new deal brings Team Penske’s best driver since 2010 into an Andretti organization that can use the deep experience of a 20-year IndyCar veteran who ranks fourth in all-time wins and first in career pole positions to elevate the program’s competitiveness and consistency. The length of the agreement was not specified.

Despite its presence as a perennial title contender, the team has struggled for many years to overtake Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske and now Arrow McLaren, which surged ahead of the program in the standings. Andretti’s last IndyCar championship was earned in 2012 and most recent Indy 500 victory was secured in 2017; Power won the Indy 500 in 2018, and after winning the 2014 IndyCar title, captured his second IndyCar crown in 2022.

“I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global," said Power. "I can’t thank Dan [Towriss], Jill [Gregory] and the team enough for this opportunity. Colton is someone that I’ve been massively impressed with for a while. He has a lot of natural ability, and I think he’s going to do a great job over in Europe. I’m excited to watch him and will work to step in and do everyone on the 26 team proud.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all the Andretti team and getting to work in 2026. They have some very smart people, and I know it will be enjoyable to get to winning. I’m also looking forward to driving for Honda. They’ve been a tough competitor, and I look forward to working with the entire HRC team. Also, I have tremendous respect for Kyle [Kirkwood] and Marcus [Ericsson]. I’ve had some great battles racing against them, and I think we’re going to make a great combination as teammates. This is a whole new chapter for me. I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.”

Power’s institutional knowledge of how the top-tier organization operates, and the wisdom accrued during 14 seasons spent using Chevrolet’s 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6, will be invaluable assets for the Andretti team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Corporation US.

At 44, it’s not uncommon for an ageing driver like Power to lose their place at a front-running team, especially when a slight loss of speed or effectiveness is demonstrated. In Power’s case, however, he changes teams and engine manufacturers while maintaining a competitive edge which produced a pole position, race win, and Penske’s best championship finish in 2025 of ninth, one spot ahead of former teammate Scott McLaughlin and three positions clear of Josef Newgarden.

More than a lateral move, Power slots into a No.26 entry that placed seventh in the Drivers’ championship. Kirkwood finished fourth in the standings, which suggests Power should have the ability to drive forward in the field with his new team.

Power’s influence will also be a boon for his new teammates. In Kirkwood, Power has a young star who stepped up and led Andretti for the first time in 2025 with three wins and a career-best run in the championship, but hasn’t had the benefit of learning in a sustained manner from a champion like Power.

With Ericsson, a fellow Indy 500 winner, Power has a hungry veteran entering the final year of his contract who needs to shoot forward from 20th in the championship to the top 10 in order to be considered for an extension.

Ericsson joined Andretti in 2024 as a much-needed veteran to mentor Herta and Kirkwood, but with Power’s arrival, Ericsson has a new mentor of his own—akin to what he had at Ganassi with Scott Dixon where his best results were earned—and should prosper with Power’s input.

“First, I want to thank Colton Herta for all the great memories and success he brought to Andretti Global during his time with the team," said Jill Gregory, COO, TWG Motorsports and President, Andretti Global. "We’re incredibly proud of him and wish him the best in his new F1 journey.

"We couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes here at Andretti and take the wheel of the No. 26 Honda. Will is a fierce competitor whose record speaks for itself. Additionally, he’s a great personality and we feel he’ll be a strong fit for the team culturally as well.”