Penske names Power replacement

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 19 September 2025

Team Penske has named its first #12 driver other than Will Power in 17 years ahead of the 2026 season.

With Power moving on to Andretti Global, Penske has named youngster David Malukas.

Like Penske did with the Australian in 2009, they have gone for youth in 23-year-old Malukas.

He already has plenty of IndyCar experience behind him with 44 races since his debut in 2022.

He has taken three podiums, including a second at this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Malukas also finished the 2022 Indy Lights season second with seven wins from 20 starts.

But more impressively he took 16 podiums, which was a record.

Malukas will race with the same Verizon colours Power made famous.

“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet,” said team owner Roger Penske.

“We feel that Team Penske will provide David everything needed to take the next step in his career, and we are confident that he will continue the great legacy of the Verizon Chevrolet.”

For Malukas, it will be a dream to race for such a famous team.

“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young racecar driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream,” said Malukas.

“Will Power is one of the legends of our sport and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet is one of the most-recognised cars on the grid. These are big shoes to fill, but I look at it as an opportunity because I know that it is one of the best teams in the paddock.”

The 2026 IndyCar season begins at St Petersburg on March 1.

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