Andretti Global recently announced a significant addition to its 2026 INDYCAR lineup by signing veteran racer Will Power. The two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner will take over the No. 26 Andretti Honda. This strategic move comes as current driver Colton Herta shifts gears to serve as a Test Driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team.
Will Power's impressive open-wheel career spans over two decades, making him one of the most accomplished figures in the sport. He holds the record for the most pole positions in INDYCAR history with 71 and ranks fourth on the all-time win list, boasting 45 victories. Throughout his career, Power has amassed an impressive 5,000 laps led across over 300 starts. His accolades also include two INDYCAR Championship titles achieved in 2014 and 2022, alongside a memorable victory during the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Regarding the transition, Jill Gregory, COO of TWG Motorsports and President of Andretti Global, expressed deep appreciation for Herta's contributions. "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. We’re incredibly proud of him and wish him the best in his new F1 journey," said Gregory.
She emphasized the significance of Power's arrival, remarking, "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 No. 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."
In expressing his excitement about joining Andretti Global, Will Power shared his thoughts on Herta's transition to Formula 1. "I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global. 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," Power stated.
Power's enthusiasm for joining the Andretti team extends beyond his admiration for Herta. "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," he remarked.
He also expressed his anticipation for driving with Honda, stating, "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 teammates."
As Power prepares to embark on this new chapter with Andretti Global, he acknowledged the invigorating aspects of change. "Sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait," Power concluded.
With the addition of Will Power, the Andretti team is positioning itself for a competitive future as they look to build on their successes in the INDYCAR series. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Power and his new team to see how they combine their talents in pursuit of racing glory.