Malukas leaves A.J. Foyt Racing to join Team Penske for 2026 IndyCar season

Team Penske announced the signing of David Malukas to drive the No. 12 Chevrolet starting with the 2026 IndyCar season. The multi-year deal makes the 23-year-old driver the second driver in history to handle the car that Will Power used during his successful career with Roger Penske's team.

Malukas's move to Penske ends his contract with A.J. Foyt Racing, a team with which he had signed a multi-year agreement in August 2024 to compete from 2025. The change comes just one year after joining the Texas-based team, where he achieved a second-place finish at the 2025 Indianapolis 500.

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Malukas arrives from A.J. Foyt Racing

Malukas's move to Penske ends his contract with A.J. Foyt Racing, a team with which he had signed a multi-year agreement in August 2024 to compete from 2025. The change comes just one year after joining the Texas-based team, where he achieved a second-place finish at the 2025 Indianapolis 500.

Malukas debuted in IndyCar in 2022 with Dale Coyne Racing, where he achieved five top-five and 16 top-ten finishes in 61 races contested through the end of 2025. His best result at the Indianapolis 500 came this year with second place, starting from the seventh position.

Malukas built his career from karting in 2013, progressing through the IndyCar junior series ladder. In Indy Lights 2021, he won seven races, six pole positions, and recorded 16 podiums in 20 races, finishing as the series runner-up.

"Racing for Team Penske is the goal of every young driver, and I am honored to be one who can live that dream," commented Malukas. "Will Power is a legend of our sport and the No. 12 Chevrolet is one of the most recognizable cars on the grid."

Power leaves the seat after 17 seasons

Malukas will replace Will Power, who announced on September 2nd his departure from Team Penske after 17 seasons with the organization. Power accumulated 42 wins, two championships (2014 and 2022), and victory at the 2018 Indianapolis 500 during his time with the team.

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Penske seeks recovery after a challenging season

The signing of Malukas comes after a particularly difficult 2025 season for Team Penske. The team faced penalties at the Indianapolis 500 and only managed two victories the entire campaign: Power in Portland and Josef Newgarden in Nashville. All three drivers were mathematically eliminated from the championship fight before July.

Malukas will take the wheel of the No. 12 Chevrolet in St. Petersburg on March 1, 2026.