Power to replace Herta at Andretti in IndyCar in 2026

Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power will join Andretti Global in place of Colton Herta in 2026, having left Team Penske after a 17-year partnership.

Power will pilot the #26 Andretti Honda, replacing Herta, who ended the 2025 season seventh in the championship standings. Herta will be leaving IndyCar to chase his Formula 1 dream, announcing on Wednesday that he will become an official test driver for the Cadillac F1 Team.

While Herta was winless in 2025, he won two races last year and ended that season as championship runner-up.

“First, I want to thank Colton Herta for all the great memories and success he brought to Andretti Global during his time with the team,” said Jill Gregory, COO of TWG Motorsports and president at Andretti Global. “We’re incredibly proud of him and wish him the best in his new F1 journey.

“We couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes here at Andretti and take the wheel of the #26 Honda. Will is a fierce competitor whose record speaks for itself. Additionally, he’s a great personality and we feel he’ll be a strong fit for the team culturally as well.”

Power is one of the most successful IndyCar drivers in history, as his 45 career wins puts him fourth on the all-time wins list and his 71 poles are unmatched.

Along with IndyCar titles in 2014 and 2022, he also won the 2018 Indianapolis 500. He now joins Andretti, which hasn’t won an IndyCar title since 2012.

Power ended the 2025 season ninth in the standings, and was one of just six drivers to beat Alex Palou to a victory this year.

“I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global,” said Power in a release from Andretti. “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. I’m also looking forward to driving for Honda. 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 team-mates. 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.”