Will Power won the IndyCar Grand Prix of Portland, securing his first victory of the season amidst contract uncertainty.
Power delivered a deserved win from P4 on the grid at the Portland GP. Victory sees Power remain in P9 in the Drivers’ Championship, being the lead Team Penske driver in the standings. Speculation about Power’s IndyCar future continues to rage, with the Australian’s Penske contract set to expire at the end of August.
Speaking in the post-race press conference, Power asserted that he is better than ever, but does not know if his future lies at Team Penske.
Victory in Portland a ‘nice feeling’ for Power
It’s been a difficult 2025 for Penske and Power in IndyCar. Known for challenging for championships, 2025 has instead seen Penske battle for rare podium opportunties. Acknowledging this, Power admitted that he is delighted for the team after victory in Portland, but alluded to his uncertain future.
“Yeah, it’s a very nice feeling. Done it many times before. Just funny that it comes at this time of the year. It’s going to be interesting, man.
“I feel good for the whole team, I really do. Where we stand in the championship really isn’t indicative of our true potential. It’s just been a rough year. Yeah, I think the whole team, I can tell they’re so very sort of happy and relieved that we’ve got a win on the table now.”
Portland GP victory assisted by Power’s engineer
Power also revealed his strategy for the victory, and praised his engineer for allowing him to push to the win.
“Yeah, it was a nice day because I got to push as hard as I could for the whole race, which usually that’s fuel save. I was glad my engineer picked that strategy. He was going to pit me. Then he said to stay out, to be a leader. Had faith that I’d had a lot of pace.
“Yeah, it’s a Team Penske-type day, man. When we’re put in the position, we can win. It’s obviously been a rough year on many fronts. Yeah, very nice to get a win.”
A feel-good win for all in pit road
Power eliminated the threat of Penske going winless for the first time since 1999 with victory in Portland. The team’s form, combined with his contract jeopardy, led to moving scenes after the race.
“I was happy for everyone, man. Like both teammates came up, all the engineers, all the crews came up. As I drove down pit lane, many teams happy to see us get a win there. I think what’s happened to the team this year, probably the situation I’m in, as well. It’s a tight-knit community, the INDYCAR paddock, it really is.
“I have to say I really have got to know a lot of people from every team in the paddock, I have so many friends in that paddock. I feel like to have done this for this long and know that many good people. Everyone looks out for each other even though we compete against each other.”
Power’s future continues to be uncertain
The Team Penske veteran of 17 seasons looks set to depart the team, and possibly IndyCar, at the end of the season. Power has always hoped to remain in the series, but is uncertain if he will be a Penske man next season.
When asked about the possibility of him driving for Team Penske in 2026, Power answered: “No, I have no clue. I don’t know. Yeah, nothing else to say, man. I don’t know,” but later added, “maybe it’s my decision.”
Power feeling the best he’s ever felt on the race track
Most drivers would be happy to call it a day having had the career of Power. However, the two-time IndyCar Champion and former Indy 500 winner feels that he is primed to continue winning in the series.
“I’m driving the best I ever have. Simple as that. I’m not slowing down. I am not slower, I am faster. My toolbox is still big as far as understanding the cars, race craft, all that. Yeah, that’s me, I guess I’m different to some people. I never stop working at it. It’s a passion, I love it. That’s why I’m still winning.”
Power still ‘good enough’ for any team in IndyCar
IndyCar would not feel the same without Power, with the Australian being a stalwart of the series since his 2008 debut. Perhaps frustrated with the speculation and uncertainty about his future, Power firmly affirms that he is good enough to race in IndyCar.
“I mean, I won three races last year. If you’re a team, if you’re waiting on me to know if I’m good enough, I don’t know what you’re thinking. If you’re actually waiting, I’m not sure if this guy is good enough, just go back to last year and you’ll [expletive] know.”
