Newgarden Adjusting to Former Teammates in New Places

Two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden faces changes at Team Penske as he enters his 15th IndyCar season.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden begins his 15th IndyCar season in a new role as the most veteran driver at Team Penske. Newgarden is trying to rebound from one of his worst seasons in over a decade, help Penske rebuild its image after two cheating scandals, and get used to seeing longtime teammate Will Power and former Penske managing director Ron Ruzewski working together at rival team Andretti Global.

Why it matters

Newgarden's experience and leadership will be crucial for Team Penske as they look to bounce back from recent scandals and regain their championship form. The changes in the IndyCar paddock, with former Penske personnel now at rival teams, add an interesting dynamic to the upcoming season.

The details

Newgarden is the longest-tenured driver on Penske's three-car team, which has undergone significant leadership changes in the past year. After the Indy 500 cheating scandal, Penske fired several key personnel, including Ruzewski and team president Tim Cindric. The team also signed David Malukas to replace the departing Will Power. Newgarden is now tasked with helping the team regain its championship form while also getting used to seeing his former teammates in new places.

  • Newgarden began his 15th IndyCar season in 2026.
  • The Indy 500 cheating scandal occurred in 2025.

The players

Josef Newgarden

A two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and the most veteran driver on Team Penske's IndyCar squad.

Will Power

A longtime teammate of Newgarden's at Team Penske who is now driving for Andretti Global.

Ron Ruzewski

The former managing director at Team Penske who is now working with Will Power at Andretti Global.

Roger Penske

The owner of the iconic Team Penske racing organization.

David Malukas

The new driver signed by Team Penske to replace the departing Will Power.

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What they’re saying

“That was weird. It was more weird seeing Ron. I was like 'What the heck?' Like I just wanted to debrief with Ron. I was like 'Yeah, what do you think of this? We like this tire, right?' It was so silly. I'm like 'What are you even doing over there, both him and Will.'”

— Josef Newgarden, Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner

“There's nothing more I want to do this year than beat Penske every single weekend.”

— Will Power

What’s next

Newgarden and his Penske teammates will look to rebound at the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 10th.

The takeaway

Newgarden's experience and leadership will be crucial for Team Penske as they navigate a season of change, with new personnel and a renewed focus on regaining their championship form after recent scandals.