Will Power’s Andretti Transition: A Turning Point for the Veteran and the Team
Will Power’s move to Andretti Global for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season continues to unfold, with the latest race weekend at Arlington offering a glimpse into the challenges and potential of this modern partnership. After a difficult start to the season, Power qualified fourth for Sunday’s Java House Grand Prix, a result he described as a step towards a “solid weekend.”
Navigating Early Season Challenges
Power, a two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, joined Andretti Global after 17 years with Team Penske. The transition hasn’t been seamless. He entered the Arlington weekend 22nd in points, having faced setbacks at St. Petersburg, including a crash in practice and qualifying, and further issues at Phoenix Raceway.
“There have been teething problems,” Power admitted, citing issues with the throttle pedal and brake locking as early hurdles. He’s also adjusting to a new spotter, impacting communication during races, as seen in a contact incident with Christian Rasmussen at Phoenix.
Andretti’s Confidence and Power’s Optimism
Despite the initial struggles, both Power and Andretti Global remain optimistic. Jill Gregory, COO of TWG Motorsports and President of Andretti Global, expressed confidence in Power’s ability to fill the role left by Colton Herta, who is now a test driver for Cadillac’s Formula 1 team. Power himself believes Andretti Global has the potential to become a championship-contending team.
“I retain telling you, man, this will be the best team,” Power stated. “There are so many good people here. It’s just a matter of time.”
Herta’s Support and Future Focus
Colton Herta, now focused on Formula 1 development, visited the Andretti Global team at Arlington, offering support and seeking insights into Power’s experience with the car. Herta acknowledged Power’s skill and expressed excitement to hear his feedback.
“I don’t think he needs a lot of motivation or words of wisdom,” Herta said. “He knows what to do.”
Rosenqvist and Schumacher: Rising Stars in the Field
The Arlington weekend also highlighted the performances of other drivers. Felix Rosenqvist earned his first Firestone Fast Six appearance of the season, qualifying fifth for Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian. Rookie Mick Schumacher, while starting 17th, finds a sense of familiarity racing near his family’s ranch in Texas.
Team Penske Faces Qualifying Difficulties
In contrast, Team Penske experienced a challenging qualifying session. Josef Newgarden crashed in practice and started 11th, while Scott McLaughlin also crashed during qualifying, resulting in a 25th-place start.
FAQ
- How many INDYCAR SERIES championships has Will Power won? He has won two NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships, in 2014 and 2022.
- How many Indianapolis 500 wins does Will Power have? He has one Indianapolis 500 win, in 2018.
- What is Will Power’s record for pole positions? He holds the series record for most pole positions with 71.
- Where is Colton Herta now racing? He is competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for Hitech Grand Prix and is a development driver for the Cadillac Formula One Team.
Pro Tip: Street course races often require precise driving and adaptability. Teams must quickly adjust to changing track conditions and optimize their setups for maximum performance.
Did you know? Will Power’s 45 career victories place him fourth on the all-time INDYCAR win list.
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