He’s had success and has some credibility” Bryan Herta expects a ‘positive’ dynamic change with Will Power’s arrival at Andretti Global that will not disappoint fans

In the high-stakes world of IndyCar racing, where driver lineups can shift as dramatically as a last-lap pass, the announcement of Will Power’s move to Andretti Global has ignited a spark of optimism across the paddock. Just weeks after wrapping up a 17-year tenure with Team Penske, the two-time series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner is set to pilot the No. 26 Honda starting in 2026. Stepping into the seat vacated by Colton Herta, who is chasing his Formula 1 dreams as a test driver for the Cadillac F1 team, Power brings not just a trophy case but a seasoned presence that could redefine Andretti’s trajectory. And according to Bryan Herta, the team’s veteran race strategist and father of the outgoing driver, this transition promises a “positive” shake-up in team dynamics—one that fans won’t soon forget.

Bryan Herta, a 1998 IndyCar race winner himself and a fixture in Andretti’s engineering ranks since 2021, didn’t mince words when discussing Power’s impending arrival. In a recent interview on the Racers Unchained podcast, Herta praised the Australian veteran’s pedigree, noting, “He’s had success and has some credibility.” At 44, Power enters Andretti with 42 career victories, two championships (2014 and 2022), and a reputation for precision that has made him a fan favorite. Herta, who served as Colton’s strategist during his son’s early years with the team, sees Power’s experience as a stabilizing force amid Andretti’s ongoing evolution under new ownership. “This is going to be a dynamic change,” Herta elaborated, emphasizing how Power’s leadership could foster a more cohesive garage environment. “He’s not just a driver; he’s someone who commands respect on and off the track. I expect it to be positive, and it won’t disappoint the fans who crave that mix of grit and glory.”

The timing of Power’s signing couldn’t be more poignant. Announced on September 3, 2025—just one day after his Penske farewell—the deal caps a whirlwind “silly season” that saw Herta’s departure to Cadillac’s F1 project, complete with a likely Formula 2 stint to bolster his super license aspirations. Andretti Global President Jill Gregory echoed Herta’s sentiments in the official release, calling Power “a fierce competitor whose record speaks for itself” and highlighting his cultural fit. “We couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes,” she said, acknowledging the bittersweet farewell to Herta, who finished seventh in the 2025 standings and nearly snagged the title in 2024. Power himself radiated enthusiasm, telling reporters, “A change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait to get to work with the smart people at Andretti and drive for Honda.”

For Andretti Global, this move is more than a lineup tweak; it’s a strategic pivot. The team, restructured in 2024 after a failed bid to enter Formula 1, has shown flashes of brilliance under owner Dan Towriss. Kyle Kirkwood’s three wins in 2025 and Marcus Ericsson’s steady hand have kept them competitive, but consistency has eluded them since their last championship in 2012. Power’s addition creates a formidable trio: the young, aggressive Kirkwood; the Indy 500-winning Ericsson; and now the wily veteran Power, whose oval mastery could unlock victories at tracks like Texas or Iowa. Herta, drawing from his dual role as strategist and insider, predicts Power’s influence will ripple through debriefs and strategy sessions. “Will’s been at the top level so long—he knows how to read a race, mentor without micromanaging, and push the engineers,” Herta said. “Colton brought raw talent and fire, but Will adds that layer of tactical depth. It’s like adding a chess grandmaster to a squad of strong players.”

Fans, ever the pulse of IndyCar’s passionate community, have already begun buzzing on social media. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from outlets like RACER and IndyCar on FOX highlight the excitement, with one viral clip from Herta’s podcast garnering thousands of views. “This is the kind of move that gets the heart racing,” tweeted motorsport journalist Will Buxton, capturing the sentiment of a series hungry for upheaval after a dominant Penske-Chevrolet era. Power’s departure from Penske, where he ended his contract after the Nashville finale, wasn’t without emotion. The team retains him through December 31 for simulator duties, but come January, he’ll trade Chevy power for Honda’s rev-happy engines—a challenge he’s embraced with trademark candor. “I’m looking forward to driving for Honda,” Power said. “They have some very smart people, and I know it will be enjoyable to get to winning.”

Yet, beneath the optimism lies the weight of transition. Herta’s comments carry a personal edge; as Colton’s father, he’s watched his son mature from a prodigy into a championship contender, only to see him leap to Europe’s elite. “We’re incredibly proud of him,” Bryan shared, mirroring Gregory’s team statement. The elder Herta’s role at Andretti remains secure, potentially even extending to Power’s pit wall, though no official assignment has been confirmed. Speculation swirls about whether Rob Edwards, Colton’s former strategist, will stay on or if fresh voices will join. Regardless, Herta envisions a garage where Power’s credibility bridges generations. “He’s got that aura—success breeds confidence,” Herta noted. “The younger guys will learn from him, and he’ll keep everyone accountable. That’s the dynamic shift we’re talking about.”

As the offseason unfolds, Andretti’s engineers are already poring over data, adapting the No. 26 to Power’s driving style. Simulations from Gainesville suggest early synergies with the Honda powertrain, particularly in qualifying trim. For a fanbase that reveres the underdog story, Power’s arc—from underdog at Penske to sage at Andretti—feels tailor-made. His 2018 Indy 500 triumph, a nail-biter against Ed Carpenter, reminds everyone of his clutch gene. “Fans won’t be disappointed because Will delivers spectacle,” Herta affirmed. “Whether it’s battling for the lead at Indy or trading paint at Road America, he’s box office.”

In IndyCar’s relentless calendar, where 2026 kicks off in St. Petersburg, this infusion of experience could propel Andretti toward the top step. Bryan Herta’s endorsement isn’t just paternal pride or professional courtesy; it’s a veteran’s read on a team poised for resurgence. As Power settles into his new digs, the series braces for a refreshed rivalry—one where credibility meets ambition, and dynamic change meets the checkered flag. With Herta’s words as a rallying cry, Andretti Global isn’t just replacing a driver; they’re reloading for redemption.