Roger Penske’s Star Champion Axed from 2026 Season After Distasteful Comments

Team Penske dropped a bombshell, announcing that Will Power, their IndyCar star, is out after 17 seasons. The Australian champ, one of the sport’s all-time greats, will not return for 2026. The decision comes amid whispers of controversial comments from Power, though specifics remain under wraps.

It’s a stunning end to a legendary run with the team that’s left fans buzzing and wondering what went down behind closed doors. Power’s resume is stacked with 45 career wins, including IndyCar titles in 2014 and 2022, plus an Indianapolis 500 victory.

A whopping 42 of those wins came with Penske, along with a record-breaking 71 pole positions, more than anyone in IndyCar history.  The No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet has been his home, but Penske hasn’t named a replacement yet, teasing an announcement before the 2026 season kicks off. For now, the focus is on Power’s exit and what it means for the powerhouse team.

Roger Penske kept it classy, saying, “As we sat down to talk about our future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season. He has been an outstanding driver and teammate for our organization. His results speak for themselves, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career.”

Power echoed the sentiment,  “It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization. We have accomplished so much together, and I will always be grateful for my time with the team and my teammates who have supported me along the way. After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time.”

Power’s departure is a massive shakeup for IndyCar, and with the 2026 season looming, all eyes are on Penske’s next move and where Power lands but this does not come as a surprise as Power has had a history of blurting out ‘distasteful comments.

Will Power’s distasteful comments

Will Power’s got a history of letting his temper flare, and his mouth has landed him in hot water before. Take his outburst at Álex Palou:, “You f***ed me. You f***ed me on the mid-dry run then you came out of the pits and f***ed me again. Why? I always move people out of the f***ing way.” That raw, expletive-laced rant showed Power’s no-nonsense style, calling out what he saw as dirty racing.

Then there’s his post-race interview after a win, where he didn’t hold back, “It’s probably good on both fronts. Yeah, I mean, if you have to, I won three races last year, so if you’re waiting for me to know if I’m good enough. I don’t know what you’re thinking like. If you’re actually waiting like yeah, ‘this guy I am not sure that guy is good enough,’ just go back to last year and you’ll f***ing know.” Power’s sharp words were a jab at doubters, but the profanity and defensiveness didn’t sit well with everyone, especially in a sport where image matters.

The final straw might’ve been the 2025 Indianapolis 500 qualifying controversy. Power’s and Josef Newgarden’s cars were found with illegal rear attenuator modifications, breaking IndyCar technical rules. Both were sent to the back of the grid, Power started dead last. Each team copped a $100,000 fine, lost qualification points, pit selections, and had their strategists suspended.

That scandal, paired with Power’s outspoken history, likely didn’t help his case with Penske, who value professionalism. His fiery comments and this infraction could’ve sealed the decision to part ways, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the champ.