On Thursday, Team Penske confirmed David Malukas as the new driver of the No. 12 for next season, signing the 23-year-old to a multiyear deal with the organization.
Malukas will replace Will Power, who competed as a Penske driver for 17 years. Power will replace Colton Herta at Andretti Global in 2026, as Herta chases the F1 dream as a Cadillac test driver and F2 competitor.
“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet,” said Roger Penske in a release from the team. “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.”
Malukas has been racing at the top level of American open-wheel racing since 2022, and this will be his fourth team in five seasons. Previously, he competed with Dale Coyne Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, and A.J. Foyt Racing. He had also signed with Arrow McLaren ahead of the 2024 season, but an offseason hand injury resulted in him being cut from the team.
Malukas has yet to win an IndyCar race, but he has three podiums, five top-fives, and 16 top-10 finishes in 61 career starts. This past season was his strongest yet, placing second in the Indianapolis 500 and ending the year 11th in points.
“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.”
