IndyCar’s hybrid powertrain has been the center of attention in the racing series since its debut halfway through the 2024 season. Amidst adjustments from drivers to the new control systems and teams grappling with the additional costs of the high-tech system, veteran racer Alexander Rossi, who’s on the brink of his 150th race start in his 10th season, shares his insights on the hybrid system.
Rossi, known for his candid demeanor, didn’t hold back with his assessment. His list of cons, he admits, is extensive, albeit delivered with a smile suggesting he’s not entirely serious. However, he did highlight one major pro: the car’s self-start feature.
The most significant aspect of the hybrid system, Rossi emphasizes, is not its current performance but its potential. He contends that the hybrid model sets the stage for future manufacturers to join the sport. Given the substantial shift in the automotive market towards eco-friendly solutions over the past decade, Rossi reasons that new manufacturers would be hesitant to invest resources into catching up with a decade-long development of an existing power train. The hybrid system, thus, offers an appealing alternative.
From an outsider’s perspective, the hybrid system may not appear drastically different. Lap times remain consistent, the added weight counterbalances the increased power, and there’s no discernible difference in sound. However, Rossi asserts that the true value lies beneath the surface. The hybrid system, with its numerous new components, has showcased remarkable technical achievement and reliability during its initial races.
Rossi believes the hybrid system, though not outwardly impressive, has demonstrated commendable reliability. The successful implementation of the hybrid system halfway through the last season without any significant failures was viewed as a significant achievement. This year, the robust reliability allows for an incremental increase in performance and power, as evidenced at St. Pete, where Rossi said it was a more effective tool than at any point in 2024.
Despite the short list of pros from a performance standpoint, Rossi believes it’s poised to grow. He insists that regardless of the current cons, the hybrid system is crucial for the future health of the series, reflecting the undeniable fact that manufacturers want hybrids involved.
Since the introduction of the hybrid system, Rossi has secured five top 10 finishes, including a 10th place run with his new team, Ed Carpenter Racing, in the opening round of the 2025 season. This May, he aims to extend his top 5 streak at the Indianapolis 500, a record that goes back to 2022, using the hybrid system to his advantage. Despite a short list of positives, Rossi firmly believes that the hybrid powertrain will help IndyCar thrive.
