IndyCar has confirmed it will switch to hybrid engines during the 2024 season.
Confirmed:
- Midseason engine switch will come in time for the Mid-Ohio round of the season from 5th to 7th July
- IndyCar has collaborated with engine partners Chevrolet and Honda to complete this project
Context:
This switch to hybrid power has been a long time in the making for IndyCar. The series initially planned to introduce a new engine in 2021 but opted to delay this by a year once it decided to include a hybrid component in the new formula.
This plan was then pushed back by a further year to 2023 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The start of the 2024 season was then earmarked as the time to introduce the new engines but complications with testing saw another delay, this time until after this year’s Indianapolis 500.
It’s a strange move for IndyCar to opt for a midseason engine switch, and it could backfire if there are issues with the rollout in the second half of the year. Worse still, it will not be a good look for the series if engine issues end up having championship implications.
One benefit will hopefully result in races spending less time under full course yellows, a boost for fans wanting to maximise the racing action. The current car requires a manual starter rod to get up and running, which means they are liable to stall on track. Instead, the new hybrid system will allow for the car to be restarted by the driver.
Comment:
“The strength of this uncharted partnership between Chevrolet and Honda has pushed this innovative project to the grid in 2024,” said IndyCar president Jay Frye.
“The IndyCar-specific hybrid power unit will bring a new and exciting element to the NTT IndyCar Series with additional energy and overtake options. We cannot wait to see the start of this new era at Mid-Ohio.”
Coming next:
This announcement comes ahead of IndyCar’s most famous race. The iconic Indianapolis 500 takes place on 26th May.
Go deeper:
- IndyCar president Jay Frye on the 2024 schedule, US broadcast plans, and future expansion
- Inside the deal: How IndyCar is working with Shell and Firestone to fuel its sustainability drive
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