The Indy 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event, returns this year for its 109th running. Fans can look forward to groundbreaking innovations and an intensely competitive field at the heart of this race: this year’s Indy cars feature a new 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine.
Developed in 2024 by both Chevrolet and Honda, the hybrid system combines a Motor Generator Unit with an Energy Storage System, delivering additional horsepower when drivers need it most. Blair Julian, Team Manager for Chip Ganassi Racing, was kind enough to answer some of our questions about the new hybrid engines:
"The hybrid has added a ton of options on the re-gen and deploy strateg[ies], we are devoting a lot of resources to the SIM and data evaluation of this new and developing tool. There are also a lot of challenges for the engineers and mechanics to develop "Best practices" for the installation to keep the hybrid unit safe and reliable."
Unlike the traditional “push-to-pass” with limited uses, this hybrid boost is unrestricted, allowing drivers to access extra power at any time, adding new layers of strategy and overtaking opportunities throughout the 500-mile contest. See here for more information regarding INDYCAR's hybrid engine technology.
The athletes using this new technology are just as impressive. Ganassi's Álex Palou has won every race but one so far in the 2025 INDYCAR season. Team manager Julian explains, "we help our teammates, cover each other, and minimize mistakes. That's how we compete and win championships."
Rookie Robert Shwartzman, driving for Prema Racing, made headlines by clinching pole position - a remarkable achievement in his first Indy 500.
Josef Newgarden is attempting to become the first driver to win three Indy 500s in a row - a feat never before accomplished. Newgarden will start from the last row and must pass 31 cars to make history.
Helio Castroneves is chasing a record breaking fifth Indy 500 victory, aiming to surpass legends A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears, with whom he currently shares the all-time record of four wins.
At speeds exceeding 230 mph, these athletes will be kept safe by the SAFER barrier which continues to be one of the most significant safety innovations in motorsport since its Indy 500 debut in 2002. The success of the barrier has led to widespread adoption at tracks around the world.
The fusion of performance, safety, and engineering excellence at the Indianapolis 500 demonstrates how motorsport drives innovation beyond the racetrack. From hybrid powertrains that inform future vehicle design to cutting-edge safety technologies that save lives, the Indy 500 remains not only a thrilling display of speed and skill - but also a proving ground for the automotive technologies of tomorrow.