Will Power's New Journey with Andretti Global begins

In a significant shift for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES landscape, two-time champion Will Power has officially begun his new chapter with Andretti Global. On January 7, 2026, Power took to the track for his first test with the team during Firestone’s two-car tire test at Phoenix Raceway, marking his return to a Honda-powered car for the first time since 2011.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This outing also represented Power’s first drive for a team outside of Team Penske in 272 races spanning 17 seasons.

The Australian driver, known for his precision and speed, described the initial experience as somewhat disorienting after such a long tenure with Penske. “It’s funny (and) you feel very out of place,” Power admitted in post-test comments. However, once behind the wheel, familiarity kicked in: “But once you get in the car and you get rolling, then it’s just like, oh, you know, it’s an Indy car. It’s going through the same processes.” He reported a smooth start with “very good first few runs,” adding, “Now we got plenty of work to do.”

Power’s transition includes working closely with his new engineer, Andy Listes, a seasoned Andretti veteran who recently led Dennis Hauger to the INDY NXT by Firestone championship in 2025. “Just learning everyone’s name and obviously working closely with my engineer Andy at the moment, which is nice,” Power noted. Adjusting to the new environment after 17 years at Penske has involved the basics: “You got to get steering wheel in the right position and pedals and padding and, you know, just basic things like that.” Despite the changes, Power emphasized that operations at Andretti felt natural once underway, though he acknowledged the shift from “second nature” at his former team.

One highlight for Power was experiencing the Honda engine again. “Nice to feel the Honda engine is uh it’s very good,” he said, expressing eagerness for more competitive running: “Definitely looking forward to getting in amongst a lot more cars to see where we stack up.” Power piloted the No. 26 entry for the test, donning an Andretti Global-branded helmet, a visual symbol of his fresh start.

The test’s primary focus was on Firestone tire development, building on a previous session in late November 2025. “Goals for today was really all about Firestone. You know, we’re just trying to… kind of confirming some of the learnings from that and then trying to add that last little detail before we come back here in February,” Power explained. Conditions were chilly, with temperatures around 55-60°F, but drivable. “It was cold today… but definitely got through a lot of running to tick the boxes for Firestone,” he added, satisfied with the progress.

Phoenix Raceway holds mixed memories for Power, where he achieved second-place finishes in 2016 and 2017 but never claimed victory. The track, a 1-mile oval, hasn’t hosted an INDYCAR race since 2018, but its return to the calendar in 2026 as part of a doubleheader weekend with NASCAR adds excitement. Power is optimistic about the event’s potential: “If we get that second lane in, I know we will… I’m super excited to be teamed up with NASCAR and have a double weekend.” He highlighted the appeal of cross-series events, referencing past successes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and expressing hope for more in the future.

This test comes after Power’s contract with Penske restricted him from joining Andretti until January 1, 2026. Immediately following, he shared a social media video in his new team’s gear, signaling his enthusiasm. Looking ahead, Power and Andretti Global will participate in the INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix on February 17-18, preparing for the season opener at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1. There, Power will compete as a rival to his former Penske teammate Josef Newgarden, with whom he shared successes including three championships and 45 race wins from 2009 to 2017.

As Power settles into his new role, the move injects fresh dynamics into the series. “It’s good to be back at the racetrack,” he reflected, noting the ramp-up to the season with simulation work, shop preparations, and upcoming content production. With his proven track record— including the 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory—Power’s integration into Andretti could reshape the competitive landscape for 2026.