Will Power sets the tone for Andretti in 2026: "We can compete for the championship"

For every ending, there is a new beginning. Will Power has made that new beginning with Andretti, his new team in IndyCar after 17 years shared with Team Penske, the most decorated team in the category. During his tenure, the Australian secured two championship titles (2014 and 2022) and a victory at the Indianapolis 500 (2018).

However, when invited to renew his contract by his team, Will Power declined the offer, preferring Andretti to Team Penske for the 2026 season. Despite this split, he made sure to thank his former boss, Roger Penske, the team's founder. Roger gave me a great career. He offered me another year, and it wasn't a refusal. But by then, I was already quite deep in my thinking. We have a good relationship. I will always be grateful to him. He says. I wanted a longer contract and also to see what I could do elsewhere. Huge respect for him and the organization. »

Power also filled the void left by Colton Herta at Andretti, leaving the category for the F2 across the Atlantic after six years of collaboration. The American, however, proved to be of great help during his transition. It was very useful talking to him. Watching his onboard cameras, he's very good. You can see he's getting the most out of the car, even when it's not perfectly balanced. His natural talent is undeniable. "congratulates the Australian."

After nearly two decades in the category, Power has not lost its passion. Quite the opposite. I love competition. I love doing it. It's really enjoyable., he says. I have a lot of experience. It would be a shame to stop while you're still at the top of your game. Twenty years of work, twenty years in IndyCar, and still able to win races and pole positions… that's very difficult in this sport. That's why I'm continuing. »

Upon joining the Indianapolis team, he traded a Chevrolet engine for a Honda engine, whose power seemed to him " very good "during a test conducted in Phoenix, Arizona in January." The car was really well balanced and fast [...]. There's always room for improvement. But no particular shock. "Familiar with the Phoenix circuit, being one of the few drivers on the grid to have raced there in the 2010s, Power starts with a head start in the test scheduled for February 17 and 18 in Arizona as well as the second race of the season on March 7.

Ambitions for 2026

According to him, Andretti has all the ingredients "to become a contender for the title in 2026, even though it has already identified some areas for improvement." Pit stops are a key point, as they are at Penske. It already seems to be a major area of ​​focus. Andretti is the best team on street circuits. Road circuits and small ovals can still improve, and I have a lot of experience in that area. explains the pilot. I think the team will clearly improve compared to last year. Everything they're doing is going in the right direction. That's why I say I believe Andretti will be the best team in the next three years. »

In a car adapted for urban circuits, Will Power feels ready to attack the streets of St. Petersburg and Arlington in March. These tracks are very well suited to this car., he says. Over the course of the season, I think we can compete for the championship. Apart from [Álex] Palou, no one really stands out. He's the one who's really getting the most out of his car. »

Entering his nineteenth season in IndyCar, he is aiming for 50 wins. Reaching 50 would be fantastic. Three or four wins this year, and we're almost there.With 45 wins already to his name, the objective is realistic. After nearly two decades with the same team, will Will Power be able to adapt quickly enough to achieve his goals? We'll find out during the pre-season tests scheduled for mid-February.

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