Power signs with Andretti Global; Herta headed to Formula One with Cadillac
By John Sturbin, Raceday San Antonio
Will Power’s well-documented free-agent saga has ended with Andretti Global.
Will Power. Photo by Paul Hurley
Power will re-boot his stellar INDYCAR career in 2026 with Andretti Global, while Colton Herta will transition with the organization into Formula One.
Andretti Global announced Wednesday the signing of Power, a two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner with Team Penske. Power will drive the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda vacated by Herta, a series regular since 2019 who went winless this season and finished seventh in the 2025 driver standings. Power, a 44-year-old native of Australia, won one race en route to finishing ninth in the standings dominated by newly-minted four-time champion Alex Palou of Spain and Chip Ganassi Racing.
A 25-year-old native of California, Herta is moving to the FIA Formula One World Championship as a test driver for Cadillac Formula 1 Team owned by American businessman Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. Formula One’s 11th franchise, Cadillac Formula 1 Team previously was known as Andretti Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
Power officially became a free-agent after Sunday’s season-ender at Nashville Superspeedway, where he finished 21st in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. Power and Team Penske founder/owner Roger S. Penske jointly announced the end of Will’s 17-year tenure on Tuesday.
Will Power. Photo by Chris Owens
“I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global,” said Power, who landed at Andretti Global less than 24 hours after exiting Penske’s juggernaut. “I can’t thank Dan, 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. I’m excited to watch him and will work to step in and do everyone on the No. 26 team proud.
“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.”
Power made his first two INDYCAR starts in 2005 with Walker/Team Australia in the Champ Car World Series and spent the 2008 season with KV Racing Technology. Power made six starts with Penske’s organization in 2009 before running his first full schedule for “The Captain” in 2010.
The INDYCAR champion in 2014 and 2022, Power holds the series record for poles (71-and-counting) and is fourth on the all-time INDYCAR win list with 45. His victory at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway on Aug. 10 saved Team Penske from the embarrassment of its first winless season since 1999. In over 300 starts, Power has led more than 5,000 laps and sits fourth on both the all-time INDYCAR podium (108) and top-five finishes (142) lists.
Will Power. Photo by Joe Skibinski
“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,” Andretti Global President Jill Gregory said. “We’re incredibly proud of him and wish him the best in his new F1 journey.
“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.”
Power will work alongside confirmed teammates Kyle Kirkwood _ a 26-year-old Floridian who emerged as a rising star in 2025 with three victories _ and 35-year-old Swede Marcus Ericsson, winner of the 2022 Indy 500.
“I’m also looking forward to driving for Honda,” Power said. “They’ve been a tough competitor and I look forward to working with the entire HRC team. Also, I have tremendous respect for Kyle and Marcus. I’ve had some great battles racing against them, and I think we’re going to make a great combination as teammates.
“This is a whole new chapter for me. I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.”
Colton Herta. Photo by James Black
Herta, a nine-time NTT IndyCar Series race-winner, becomes the American presence desired by Cadillac Formula 1 Team as General Motors prepares to enter the globe-trotting series.
Herta made his European racing debut in 2015. Over a two-year period, he secured four victories, six podium finishes and five pole positions in the Euroformula Open Championship and went on to compete in six British F3 events, earning three podiums _ including a victory at famed Brands Hatch _ before returning to America in 2017.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a test driver,” said Herta, son of four-time INDYCAR race-winner Bryan Herta. “This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working toward for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up.
“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step toward that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”
Colton Herta. Photo by Joe Skibinski
Herta’s INDYCAR record features nine victories, 16 poles and more than 1,000 laps-led in 116 career NTT IndyCar Series starts over seven seasons with the Harding Steinbrenner and Andretti Global teams. Herta became the youngest driver to win an INDYCAR race in 2019 at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, at 18 years, 11 months and 25 days.
In addition to his INDYCAR career, Herta has scored multiple IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship class wins at the Rolex 24 At Daytona (2019 and 2022) and an overall win at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024. Announcements on Herta’s 2026 racing program are to be determined.
Transitioning into a new role within TWG Motorsports, Herta is the first test driver named by Cadillac Formula 1® Team, following the announcement on Aug. 26 that experienced F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Sergio “Checo” Perez of Mexico will form the team’s first driver lineup.
“Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family_ each brings a depth of experience and an unwavering passion to win,” GM President Mark Reuss said. “Together, we’re building the foundation for American motorsports that will be an extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM and the sport.”
Colton Herta. Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo
Bottas, 36, is a 10-time grand prix winner; Perez, 35, has six wins in the world’s most technically advanced racing series. The pair has combined for more than 500 grand prix starts and over 100 podium finishes.
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver,” said Graeme Lowdown, team principal for Cadillac Formula 1 Team. “Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.
“Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our team but for American motorsport as a whole. Colton represents the passion, ambition and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”
Cadillac Formula 1 Team will operate out of three hubs _ Fishers, Ind.; Charlotte, N.C., and Silverstone, United Kingdom _merging American engineering ingenuity with European racing expertise.
