Team Penske has announced the signing of David Malukas as the new driver of its #12 car for next season, replacing two-time IndyCar champion Will Power.
Power had competed as a Penske driver for 17 years, but departed the team to replace Colton Herta at Andretti Global in 2026, as Herta chases his dream of reaching Formula 1 as a Cadillac test driver and F2 competitor.
Malukas has been racing at the top level of American open-wheel racing since 2022, and this will be his fourth team in five seasons. He started in IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing, supported by his family’s HMD Motorsports outfit.
He then signed with Arrow McLaren to drive the #6 car ahead of the 2024 season, but an off-season hand injury resulted in him being cut from the team; Callum Ilott and Theo Pourchaire deputised for Malukas, but all three were passed on for Nolan Siegel.
After Meyer Shank had disposed with Tom Blomqvist, Malukas took the drive on a full-time basis once his hand had recovered. He then joined A.J. Foyt Racing for 2025, for the team’s third year with technical assistance from Penske.
David Malukas, A. J. Foyt Enterprises
Photo by: Penske Entertainment
“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet,” said Roger Penske in a release from the team.
“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.”
Malukas has yet to win an IndyCar race, but he has three podiums, five top-fives, and 16 top-10 finishes in his 61 career starts.
This past season was his strongest yet, placing second in the Indianapolis 500 and ending the year 11th in points.
“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young racecar driver, and I am honoured 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.”
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