In addition to the usual challenge of winning the Indy 500, the 2025 drivers and teams must now contend with the new hybrid unit premiering at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, adding a decisive factor to the race.
The hybrid drivetrain made its debut at IndyCar in July 2024 and has since been tested on various tracks but never on a superspeedway until the Indy 500, requiring competitors to adapt to its effects on qualifying trim and race strategy.
Teams have been testing the hybrid at IMS since last year, with formal practice for the Indy 500 crucial as the race approaches; the added weight from the hybrid system is a major concern for drivers like Josef Newgarden.
Newgarden highlighted the challenges posed by the hybrid’s weight on tires and weight distribution, emphasizing the need for teams to adjust to this new element before the race on May 25.
According to Newgarden, the hybrid’s impact at Indy will be more significant than at any other track due to the low drag levels and power sensitivity, making it a crucial factor that could influence the outcome of the race.
