Andretti Global has announced that it has hired Will Power to drive the #26 IndyCar entry starting next season.
The announcement comes shortly after Team Penske confirmed Power’s departure just one day before, leaving him available to switch teams for next season.
Andretti’s #26 entry has of course been piloted by Colton Herta for the past five seasons, and his future was also addressed in the announcement.
Herta is on his way to an F1 test drive role next season in an effort to boost his Super License points enough to race in Formula 1.
By joining Andretti, Power confirms a switch in teams for the first time in 17 years.
It will also be the first time that Power has been powered by a Honda engine since 2011, as Team Penske has been aligned with Chevrolet in the 14 years since then.
“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,” said Jill Gregory, Coo of TWG Motorsports.
“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, now 44 years old and 19 years older than Herta, will become the oldest driver in the Andretti line-up.
It is hoped that his expertise and valuable insight will help bring a championship back to the Andretti team for the first time since it won the title with Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2012.
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