By: Spencer Neff 
February 23, 2026

Each season brings about several changes up and down the paddock.

Before the new season kicks off at St. Petersburg this weekend, we’ll look at the drivers racing for new teams in 2026.

Note: Only full-time returning drivers will be discussed, rookies and Indianapolis 500-only drivers will be mentioned at later dates.

Will Power moves to Andretti Global

During the latter half of the 2025 season, the conversation around “silly season” for 2026 moves centered around Will Power.

On September 3, Andretti Global announced the signing of the 2014 and 2022 INDYCAR Champion, as Colton Herta moves to F2 in pursuit of his Formula 1 dreams with the new Cadillac F1 team.

That effort is headed by Andretti Global’s parent company, TWG Global.

“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. I’m also looking forward to driving for Honda. They’ve been a tough competitor, and I look forward to working with the entire HRC team,” Power said in the

“Also, I have tremendous respect for Kyle [Kirkwood] and Marcus [Ericsson]. 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.”

Power, who holds the series record with 71 career poles, joins Andretti Global following 18 seasons with Team Penske.

“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.” Jill Gregory, COO of TWG Motorsports and President of Andretti Global added.

The 45-time race winner signed a multi-year contract joining Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson.

Malukas jumps to Penske

Power’s departure opened the No. 12 at Team Penske for a new driver. On September 18th, David Malukas was confirmed as the driver for the entry beginning in 2026.

“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet,” said Car Owner Roger Penske.

The Chicago native, who competed with Penske-alligned A.J. Foyt Racing in 2025, joins Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden in the organization.

“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,” Penske added.

Debuting in 2022 for his first of two seasons with Dale Coyne Racing, Malukas has earned two runner-up finishes in 61 NTT INDYCAR SERIES starts.

The most recent being the 2025 Indianapolis 500. He also filled in at Meyer Shank for the last nine races of 2024 after being released from Arrow McLaren earlier in the year.

“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young racecar driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream,” said Malukas.

“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.”

Malukas also ended 2025 with consecutive second-place qualifying efforts at the Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway.

VeeKay signs with Juncos Hollinger Racing

Juncos Hollinger Racing announced the October 14th signing of Rinus VeeKay for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign. VeeKay will pilot the No. 76 alongside teammate Sting Ray Robb, who returns to the No. 77 with JHR.

“I’m excited to officially announce my move to Juncos Hollinger Racing,” VeeKay exclaimed.

“Signing with Juncos Hollinger Racing also feels like a return home – Juncos Racing gave me my start in the Pro Mazda Championship (now USF Pro 2000) in 2018, and we continued together in Indy Lights (now Indy NXT) in 2019, winning thirteen races and a championship title together. I believe this is the right environment for me to continue growing as a driver.”

VeeKay, the 2020 Rookie of the Year, spent 2025 with Dale Coyne Racing following a five-year stint at Ed Carpenter Racing.

“Reuniting with Rinus feels like a natural continuation of the success we’ve shared in the past,” Team Principal Dave O’Neal added.

“ As Juncos Hollinger Racing enters its fifth full INDYCAR season, and with Rinus bringing six seasons of INDYCAR experience at just 25 years of age, we believe this reunion will deliver results quickly. He brings the ideal combination of speed, consistency, race craft, and experience that we’re looking for.”

In 98 previous starts, Veekay has won two poles and the 2021 May race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

Grosjean reunites with Dale Coyne Racing

VeeKay’s move to JHR created another domino effect that led to a return for Romain Grosjean to Dale Coyne Racing.

On February 13, Grosjean was confirmed as the driver of the No. 18 for DCR, joining rookie Dennis Hauger, who is piloting the No. 19.

“Pairing an exceptional rookie in Dennis with a proven veteran like Romain gives us a strong competitive foundation. Bringing back key pieces of our history while building new global partnerships positions us well for 2026.” Car owner Dale Coyne added.

Grosjean made his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut with DCR in 2021 before moving to Andretti Global for 2022-2023 and Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2024.

In 60 previous INDYCAR starts, Grosjean has earned three poles and five runner-up finishes.

Header Image By Matt Fraver/INDYCAR