Will Power’s first race with Andretti Global at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg came to an abrupt end after just 21 laps due to a crash. The setback followed a challenging weekend as Power, who recently left Team Penske after twenty years, struggled throughout practice and qualifying sessions.
Challenging Start to the Weekend for Power
During the second practice session, Power collided with the wall at turn 10, foreshadowing difficulties ahead. Despite being the driver with the most IndyCar poles, he failed to advance to the second round in qualifying, signaling a tough transition to his new team.
Race Incident Ends Day Early
In Sunday’s race, Power’s misfortune repeated when he again hit the wall at turn 10, this time damaging his suspension. This contact forced him to retire from the race after completing only 21 laps, cutting short his debut with Andretti Global.
“Will Power is OUT! 😳
After contact in Turn 10, he exits the car on pit lane after 21 laps. pic.twitter.com/GvDU4Qzj5a”
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar)
Context Within the Weekend’s Overall Competition
Other notable moments from the St. Petersburg weekend included Sting Ray Robb causing a first-lap crash in the IndyCar opener and Nikita Johnson winning the Indy NXT opener. Max Taylor secured his first INDY NXT pole, dominating the sessions, while Scott McLaughlin earned his third St. Pete pole position, setting the lineup for the season start.
Implications for Power and Andretti Global
Will Power’s early exit underscores the challenges of switching teams after a long tenure with Team Penske. The crash at turn 10 raises concerns about his adaptation to Andretti Global’s car setup and the race environment. Moving forward, both the driver and the team will need to focus on repairs and adjustments to improve performance in upcoming events of the IndyCar season.
Will Power is OUT! 😳
After contact in Turn 10, he exits the car on pit lane after 21 laps. pic.twitter.com/GvDU4Qzj5a
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) March 1, 2026
