Insider reveals ‘bigger plan’ behind David Malukas driving for AJ Foyt despite being ‘already signed’ with Team Penske

A.J.Foyt racing driver David Malukas recently made headlines, as many believe he signed a contract with Team Penske for 2026. The current Team Penske driver, Will Power, is in the last year of his contract with the Mooresville-based team.

Malukas drives the #4 A.J. Foyt Racing car powered by Chevrolet. Rumors quickly spread about the 23-year-old signing a deal with Team Penske for 2026. Penske is believed to be backing up the driver as part of its broader strategy to prepare the youngster for a seat on the team in 2026.

Foyt and Penske have had technical alliances since 2023. This alliance also means that it allows Penske to monitor David Malukas' growth and performance without him having to face the pressure of filling up the big boots of Will Power just yet.

IndyCar insider Marshall Pruett reported that David Malukas was allegedly signed to Team Penske. He said:

“Malukas is already signed with Penske. He’s racing under the Foyt umbrella, but it’s Penske equipment, Penske engineering — this is all part of a bigger plan.”

However, neither of the parties involved has confirmed so far.

Malukas has had a decent start to the season. During the first race of the 2025 season, the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg, the Chicago native qualified in 17th place but made up places and finished the race in 13th place. At the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix held on May 4, he started the race in 20th place and finished the race in 16th place.

At the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, David Malukas scored his first top 10 in the qualifying session, securing seventh place. He finished the race in second place, marking his first podium finish of the season. Malukas will be looking forward to improving his performance and securing his future seat in the upcoming races.

David Malukas reflected on his move to A.J. Foyt Racing

David Malukas reflected on his move to A.J. Foyt Racing. The 23-year-old driver had previously signed a multi-year deal with Arrow McLaren, but a biking incident ended it all. After his recovery, he returned to the series with Meyer Shank Racing, where he drove as a replacement for Tom Blomqvist.

The Chicago native joined the A.J.Foyt team with a multi-year deal from 2025 onwards. While speaking to Frontstretch via their YouTube video, David Malukas recalled his 2024 season and how it has helped him become the driver he is today. He said (4:05 onwards):

“I mean, 2024 was a rough year to start, but looking back at it now, I think it was probably the best year for me with everything that I had to deal with with the hand and all these different scenarios. I think mentally for me, it was a year of maturity. I mean, I changed from the driver I was back then to now.”

“I mean, it's night and day. I don't think I could be doing the performances and driving the way I am, you know, in the beginning of 2024. So everything happens for a reason, you know, and we came out of it, I think, on top,” added Malukas.

David Malukas currently sits in 11th position in the drivers' championship with 126 points. Last season, he scored 148 points in the last 10 races he raced for Meyer Shank Racing.