“OFFICIAL” Will Power Announces His Departure from IndyCar for the First Time in His Career and Reveals the Shocking Reason for Staying Away from Racing
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has officially announced his departure from the series after 18 seasons of high-octane competition. The 44-year-old Australian, long synonymous with Team Penske’s dominance, revealed on October 10, 2025, that he will step away from open-wheel racing entirely at the conclusion of the current year, marking the first time in his illustrious career he has chosen to hang up his helmet. In an emotional press conference held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Power disclosed a deeply personal and shocking reason for his abrupt exit: a battle with burnout and a profound family crisis that nearly cost him everything.
Power’s voice cracked as he addressed a packed room of journalists, team principals, and fellow drivers. “I’ve given this sport my blood, sweat, and soul for nearly two decades,” he said, his trademark Queensland accent thick with emotion. “But after Portland, after pushing through the pain, I realized I can’t keep pretending. My wife, Liz, and our son, Beau— they’ve been my pit crew through it all. But last year, when Liz’s health scare hit, and the endless travel tore us apart, it broke me. IndyCar isn’t just a job; it’s a thief that steals your life if you’re not careful. I’m done letting it win.” The revelation stunned the paddock, as Power had always been the picture of resilience, shrugging off crashes, controversies, and near-misses with his signature dry wit.
The announcement comes just weeks after the 2025 season finale at Nashville Superspeedway, where Power clinched ninth in the standings—his best finish among Team Penske’s trio amid a turbulent year for the squad. His sole victory at the Grand Prix of Portland in August was a masterclass in raw talent, leading 101 of 110 laps and silencing whispers of decline. Yet, behind the scenes, cracks had been forming. Power’s tenure with Penske, which began in 2008, yielded 45 wins—42 with the Captain’s crew—two series titles in 2014 and 2022, and a record 71 pole positions. He etched his name in immortality with a 2018 Indianapolis 500 triumph, outdueling Ed Carpenter in a rain-shortened thriller. But 2025 was a shadow of those glory days: a scandal-plagued Indy 500 where he and teammate Josef Newgarden were penalized for illegal modifications, starting from the rear and finishing outside the top 10, followed by a season marred by mechanical gremlins and personal strain.
Sources close to the driver revealed that Power’s decision crystallized during a family retreat in Australia over the offseason. Liz Power, a former racing journalist who has been his steadfast partner since 2009, underwent emergency surgery in late 2024 for a rare autoimmune condition exacerbated by the relentless IndyCar schedule. “The calls from hospital beds while I’m in Texas or Mid-Ohio—it’s no way to live,” Power confided in a one-on-one interview with RACER magazine earlier this week. “Racing’s addictive, but so is family. Beau’s five now; he doesn’t need a dad who’s always chasing the checkered flag. And honestly, the burnout… it’s like revving an engine with no oil. One more lap, and I’d blow up.” This candid admission of mental health struggles—rare in the macho world of motorsport—has already sparked conversations about athlete well-being in IndyCar, with series officials pledging expanded support programs in 2026.
The timing feels poetic and painful. Just a month ago, on September 2, Power shocked the series by announcing his exit from Team Penske after 17 loyal years, a move that ignited “silly season” frenzy. Speculation swirled that he’d slide into Andretti Global’s No. 26 seat vacated by Colton Herta’s jump to Formula 1 reserve duties with Cadillac. Power even teased the possibility in post-Nashville interviews, quipping, “Andretti’s calling—Michael’s got that fire I need.” But in a twist no one saw coming, he pulled the plug on the deal during contract talks. “I thought a fresh team would reignite me,” he explained. “But sitting in simulations, staring at those walls… it felt wrong. Wrong for me, wrong for them. Andretti deserves someone hungry, not haunted.” Herta’s departure, coupled with Rinus VeeKay’s team shuffle and David Malukas’ promotion at Penske, had reshaped the grid, but Power’s full retreat leaves a void larger than any driver swap.
Reactions poured in from across the paddock. Roger Penske, the 86-year-old billionaire owner, issued a heartfelt statement: “Will’s not just a champion; he’s family. We’ve won everything together, but I respect his choice to prioritize what matters most. The garage door at Penske will always be open.” Josef Newgarden, Power’s longtime teammate and 2023 title winner, fought back tears on social media: “Mate, you showed us how to fight—and when to walk away. Beers in Brisbane soon.” Even rivals chimed in; Chip Ganassi, whose driver Scott Dixon now holds the active wins lead, called it “a gut punch for IndyCar. Will’s the heartbeat of this series.” Fans, meanwhile, flooded X (formerly Twitter) with tributes, trending #ThankYouWillPower and sharing clips of his epic duels—from the 2014 Long Beach masterstroke to his 2022 title-clinching charge at Laguna Seca.
Power’s legacy is etched in more than stats. He’s the king of qualifying, a strategist who turned ovals into chessboards, and a trash-talker whose post-race barbs became legend. Off-track, his philanthropy through the Will Power Clean Air Project has planted thousands of trees, offsetting racing’s carbon footprint. Yet, as he steps back, questions linger: Will this hiatus be permanent? Power hinted at possibilities—perhaps a one-off at the Rolex 24 at Daytona or mentoring young guns—but insisted, “Right now, it’s about healing. Racing can wait; life can’t.”
In an era where drivers chase longevity like A.J. Foyt’s 67 wins, Power’s bold pivot challenges the narrative. At 44, he could chase a third title, gun for another 500. Instead, he’s choosing vulnerability over velocity, family over fame. As the Brickyard falls quiet this fall, one thing’s clear: Will Power didn’t just race cars—he redefined what it means to race through life. His departure isn’t an end; it’s a victory lap for the soul.
