Power stays in IndyCar, Herta off to F1

Despite moving on from Penske, Australia’s Will Power will stay on the IndyCar grid, replacing a star chasing the F1 dream.

Power found himself as an unexpected commodity on the driver market after a mammoth 17-year union with Team Penske.

But the Australian has already locked in his future and will start a new chapter at another famous team in Andretti Global.

The vacancy arrived following the big call from Colton Herta to finally commit to F1 after years of speculation.

The 25-year-old American has signed with Cadillac as the test driver for the 11th team on the grid in 2026.

Power brings plenty of experience to the Andrettis, having won the 2014 and 2022 IndyCar titles and 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory.

He has over 300 starts and lef over 5000 laps with the most poles of all time.

Whilst there are no bigger teams than Penske, Andretti Global also has plenty of IndyCar pedigree with foru championships and six Indianapolis 500 wins since 2004.

At 44, Power still feels he has a lot left.

“I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global,” Power said. 

“I can’t thank Dan (Towriss), Jill (Gregory) and the team enough for this opportunity. Colton is someone that I’ve been massively impressed with for a while. 

“He has a lot of natural ability, and I think he’s going to do a great job over in Europe. 

“I’m excited to watch him and will work to step in and do everyone on the 26 team proud.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all the Andretti team and getting to work in 2026. 

“They have some very smart people, and I know it will be enjoyable to get to winning.”

It also means a return to Honda power for the Aussie, who has four seasons of racing with the Japanese manufacturer from 2008-2011.

“I’m also looking forward to driving for Honda,” Power said. 

“They’ve been a tough competitor, and I look forward to working with the entire HRC team. 

“Also, I have tremendous respect for Kyle (Kirkwood) and Marcus (Ericsson). 

“I’ve had some great battles racing against them, and I think we’re going to make a great combination as teammates.

“This is a whole new chapter for me. I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energising. I can’t wait.”

After 116 races over eight years with nine wins and a best result of second, Herta has closed his IndyCar chapter for now.

Colton Herta will ditch IndyCar for F1. Image: Penske Entertainment

He will finally have a full crack at F1 having flirted with it for many years.

The likes of Sauber, McLaren and Red Bull through AlphaTauri have all shown interest in Herta since 2021.

But it is the new American team in Cadillac that have finally pushed him over the line as a test driver.

It gives Herta the chance to gain experience and learn life at the pinnacle of motorsport through a possible F2 driver in addition to the testing role if the opportunity arises to replace inaugural drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a test driver,” Herta said. 

“This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working toward for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up.

“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step toward that goal. 

“For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdown beleives Herta is a perfect fit for the newcomers.

“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver,” he said. 

“Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft and maturity well beyond his years. 

“His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.

“Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our team but for American motorsport as a whole. 

“Colton represents the passion, ambition and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”

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