IndyCar News: Team Penske unveils David Malukas #12 Verizon Chevy
In the crisp January air of 2026, the roar of engines might still be months away, but the IndyCar world was already buzzing with anticipation. David Malukas, the 23-year-old Lithuanian-American sensation from Chicago, stood poised at the threshold of greatness.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
After years of grinding through the ranks— from a standout second-place finish in the 2021 INDY NXT series to amassing five top-five finishes and 16 top-10s in 61 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races—Malukas was about to don the colors of one of motorsport’s most storied teams: Team Penske.
It was January 27, a day that would etch itself into IndyCar lore. Team Penske pulled back the covers on the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, revealing a livery that paid homage to its legendary past while signaling a fresh chapter. The design, a sleek evolution of the classic red-and-black Verizon scheme made famous by Will Power, featured subtle tweaks to embrace its new pilot.
Bold Verizon branding dominated the sides, with accents of white and silver gleaming under the lights, evoking the speed and precision that define Penske’s heritage. The driver’s name, “Malukas,” now proudly emblazoned where “Power” once reigned, symbolized the handover from a two-time champion (2014 and 2022) and 2018 Indy 500 winner to the rising star.
Malukas’ journey to this moment was anything but straightforward. As a first-generation racer, he burst onto the scene with raw talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors at the 2021 Indianapolis 500. His exploits at the Brickyard continued to shine: setting the fastest lap in 2022 and clinching a runner-up spot in 2025. But the move to Penske? That was the plot twist no one saw coming. Power’s departure in September 2025, followed by his switch to Andretti Global, left a void in the No. 12—a car synonymous with victory and Verizon’s unwavering support. Malukas stepped in, not just as a replacement, but as a beacon of youth and ambition in a team built on legends.
As the livery was unveiled, the fans erupted in a mix of nostalgia and excitement. Fans on social media drew parallels to iconic handovers in racing history, likening it to sacred numbers in NASCAR—like the #3 of Richard Childress or the #43 of Petty—where legacy transcends the driver. Some joked about the minimal changes, quipping that it was the same powerhouse machine, just with a new nameplate, much like a subtle remix of a classic hit. Yet, beneath the humor lay genuine hype: Malukas, with his Chicago grit and proven podium prowess, was ready to join the ranks of Penske greats.
Come March 1, at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Malukas will fire up the No. 12 for its 2026 debut, broadcast across FOX networks and the INDYCAR Radio Network. It’s more than a livery reveal; it’s the start of a saga where a young driver inherits a throne, blends tradition with innovation, and chases glory on the asphalt battlegrounds. In the words of racing folklore, the No. 12 isn’t just a car—it’s a legacy in motion, and David Malukas is its next chapter.