Overview
- Team Penske confirmed its 2026 strategist lineup with Tim Cindric on McLaughlin’s stand, Jonathan Diuguid with Josef Newgarden, and Travis Law with newcomer David Malukas.
- Cindric returns less than a year after his May 2025 dismissal tied to unapproved rear attenuator modifications discovered during Indianapolis 500 qualifying.
- The position is expected to be focused on race weekends rather than a reinstatement to an executive role.
- Scott McLaughlin publicly endorsed the move, citing Cindric’s experience and their long relationship.
- Penske frames the strategist shuffle as part of a push to rebound from a 2025 season with just two wins, as Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer continue in new roles at Andretti Global and Arrow McLaren.