David Malukas shares feelings about filling IndyCar legend Will Power's shoes at Team Penske

David Malukas has made his feelings known about filling two-time IndyCar champion Will Power's shoes at Team Penske in 2026. Power will leave Penske for Andretti Global next year, bringing an end to an iconic 17-year partnership.

The Australian driver got his break with the team as a substitute for Helio Castroneves in 2009, who was involved in legal trouble off-track back then. His impressive performance in Castroneves' No. 3 car made Team Penske give Will Power another chance in the extra No. 12 Chevy, which led to a bigger part-time role that season.

He earned his first win for the team in Edmonton while still on a part-time contract, which turned into a full-fledged partnership from 2010 onwards. Power earned 42 of his 45 wins with Team Penske, two IndyCar championships, the 2018 Indy 500 victory, and took his record tally of pole positions to 71.

In 2026, David Malukas will replace him in the No. 12 Chevy, which has been driven by only Power in IndyCar history. In a recent episode of the Stickers & Send It podcast, an IndyCar exclusive, host Jack Harvey asked Malukas if he felt the pressure of the No. 12 legacy being passed on to him.

"No, from that perspective, I don't," the 24-year-old replied. "Will is an incredible driver, an incredible legend who's left a legacy here at Team Penske, and he'll forever be known as Will Power, right? Nobody's gonna be able to touch that."

"Me coming into it is just me coming in as myself, just doing my own path, and see how things are gonna be going on. The people here at Team Penske, they trust me being in the No. 12 car, and we're just trying to get up to speed and be on my own course," Malukas added.

David Malukas with Will Power at the IndyCar Series Sukup Race Weekend in Iowa - Source: Getty

David Malukas had a career-best season with AJ Foyt Racing in 2025. He earned five Top 10 finishes, including a podium at the 109th Indianapolis 500, where he finished in third position, but was later bumped up to second after runner-up Marcus Ericsson was disqualified.

Will Power had a bittersweet season. He was the most consistent performer at Team Penske, which, uncharacteristically, was neck-deep in misfortune. Malukas (P11) finished ahead of one Penske driver - Josef Newgarden (P12) - in the championship standings and had the other two right ahead of him - Power (P9), McLaughlin (P10).

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Will Power understands why Roger Penske wanted David Malukas to replace him at Team Penske

Will Power with Roger Penske and Tim Cindric at the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 - Source: Getty

Will Power wanted to stay with Team Penske for many more years to come. He had been in pursuit of a multi-year contract for 2026 and beyond since late 2024. However, a communication breakdown in the team led to endless delays in contract negotiations with team owner Roger Penske.

Simultaneously, rumors about the team wanting to replace the 44-year-old with David Malukas kept raging. Power eventually had enough and felt that his loyalty wasn't being repaid. After his victory at the Grand Prix of Portland, the team offered him a one-year extension, but it was too little, too late. He committed to Andretti Global for next season.

In an interview with Paul Tracy on the Racers Unchained podcast, Will Power admitted that he understood why Roger Penske would've wanted to replace him with the young gun, David Malukas.

"I'm forever grateful to get the chance with Roger and then to be able to have the career I had," said Power. "I mean, it was a great partnership, and Roger's been great to me, he really had the whole time. Obviously, there is a point where, you know, you've got to, he's looking at the future. He wants a young guy. And, you know, it's just, if you knew the whole situation, it's like, I get why he did that."

Will Power remains on a Team Penske contract until the end of the year. He cannot begin working with Andretti Global until January 1 next year, but David Malukas has already been signed by Penske and has also tested the No. 12 Chevy at Gateway.