When Will Power departed from Team Penske at the end of the 2025 season, there was an expectation that there would be bitterness surrounding the situation. 

But after Will Power took his second third-place finish at Road America, behind his former 12 Verizon Penske Chevrolet car now driven by David Malukas, there was a wholesome exchange between the former and present 12 drivers. 

At the post-race press conference, there was visible banter and friendship between Power and Malukas. Power even went as far as praising Malukas’ efforts in the 12 Penske seat, which he drove for 17 years. 

The Andretti Global driver was quoted by DIVEBOMB, praising the 24-year-old who took his 4th podium in his first season at Penske. 

“It’s cool to see him kicking a** man. Honestly, eventually I was going to retire anyway. I think he was absolutely the right guy. Done a bloody good job. He’s beating his teammates every week. He’s good on ovals. He’s a package. Doing good, man,” said the former 12 driver, looking at Malukas. 

While Malukas took his 4th podium for the season and remains winless, despite getting close on several occasions, Power added a bit of encouragement for Malukas, hinting that he is on the right track. 

“He’s done a great job. The win’s going to come, no doubt. It’s just a matter of time,” said Power while Malukas looked visibly happy to get such praise from a driver he’s always looked up to. 

Malukas admits to living the dream

The legacy that Will Power and Team Penske created over 17 years is the stuff of legend. Power joined as a substitute driver in 2009 before getting the 12 Verizon Chevrolet seat full-time in 2010. 

He won 42 of his 45 IndyCar wins at Penske and even took the Indy 500 win in 2018. He took the Astor Cup twice after winning the IndyCar series in 2014 and 2022, and even has a win at the Indy 500 in 2018. 

Beyond that, it was at Penske that Power took the position for best qualifying driver in IndyCar, surpassing Mario Andretti with 71 poles to his name. 

David Malukas, at 24, has credited Power as being an inspiration to his racing journey. At the post-race press conference uploaded on YouTube by 904 Now Sports, the 12 Team Penske driver spoke about "living his dream."

Thanking Power for the praise, Malukas said, “Means a lot.” Malukas then said, “For me, the No. 12 car was it specifically. The name Will Power, Verizon being on the car for so long, that was the one car I watched growing up. That’s what really got me into racing- you and obviously the Cars movie.”

Malukas added, “To be in that car, it was a dream come true. I’m not going to lie, the amount of pressure I was under heading into St Pete, needing to fill the legend here, fill his shoes, what he’s accomplished, it was pretty stressful. But it’s a good crew.”

While Malukas and Power joked about how the 24-year-old was introduced to Vegemite by the veteran driver and how they have formed a unique friendship since, it was refreshing to see Power have only praise for his successor.

Power believes Malukas’ first win is coming soon. Do you agree?

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Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason