Team Penske has answered an important question. The team has revealed who will replace two-time champion Will Power, who departed after the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway.
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According to a press release, David Malukas will join Team Penske on a multi-year deal, starting with the 2026 season. He will drive the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet while becoming only the second driver in team history to control the entry.
Welcome to the team, @malukasdavid. pic.twitter.com/eepPJpmSui
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) September 18, 2025
The former Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year will make his debut for Team Penske at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He will then try to build upon the No. 12 team's legacy as he pursues his first career win.
"We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet," said team owner Roger Penske. "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 made 61 starts since moving up to the NTT IndyCar Series. He has tallied five top-five finishes and 16 top-10s during his time driving for Dale Coyne Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, and A.J. Foyt Racing.
His list of successes includes a runner-up finish behind Alex Palou in this season's Indianapolis 500. Malukas crossed the finish line third overall, but officials demoted runner-up Marcus Ericsson after his entry failed post-race inspection.
"Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young race car driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream," Malukas said in a press release.
"Will Power is one of the legends of our sport, and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet is one of the most recognized 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."
