There's no excuse for Team Penske to hang Will Power out to dry

A man in a position such as Power's would have reasons to express public frustration with his situation, especially in the spotlight of the winner's circle. But Power didn't take that route. 

"It's a Team Penske-type day, man," Power said in his post-race news conference. "When we're put in the position, we can win. It's obviously been a rough year on many fronts." 

When asked about his future with Team Penske, Power took the high road. All he offered was his analysis of where he stands as a driver in August of 2025. 

"No, I have no clue," Power said when asked if winning a race should earn him the opportunity to stay with Penske in 2026. "I'm driving the best I ever have. Simple as that. I'm not slowing down. I am not slower, I am faster. I never stop working at it. It's a passion. I love it. That's why I'm still winning." 

Even Power's competitors seem to be surprised that it's a possibility that he leaves Penske after 2025. 

"All I can say is, there's not many guys better in this series than Will Power," Graham Rahal told Bryan Nolen of Frontstretch.com after the race. "If I were Penske, I don't think I'd let him go."

Penske Racing president Jonathan Diuguld didn't do much to swing the pendulum either way in regard to Power's future.

"Will's future is about 30 minutes old from winning a race," Diuguld said. "His future's definitely bright. He did an amazing job today." 

Whether that bright future is with Team Penske remains to be seen, but it'd be one of the more confusing decisions in racing history if Penske opted to let one of the greatest drivers in IndyCar history drive for another team with a chip on his shoulder.

Quotes provided by IndyCar Media unless otherwise noted.