A seismic shift in IndyCar racing technology is on the horizon as the NTT IndyCar Series has given the green light to the cutting-edge Cosworth Mk 3 steering wheel for the 2025 season. This $19,000 marvel is more than just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer, promising a perfect blend of power, precision, and practicality. With eight of the series’ 11 full-time teams already onboard, the Mk 3 is set to redefine how drivers command their vehicles on the track.
Bigger, Better, Stronger
At the heart of the Mk 3 is its expanded frame. Moving from 284mm to 310mm in diameter, the wheel offers drivers greater leverage and force. This design isn’t just about size—it’s about control. The larger wheel provides a more ergonomic grip, empowering drivers to make split-second maneuvers with unmatched precision.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Mk 3 boasts an enhanced data display screen and a reimagined layout of buttons and rotary knobs. These features are strategically positioned for ease of access, giving drivers the tools to manage the new energy recovery systems seamlessly while maintaining focus on the race.
Teams Leading the Charge
The Cosworth Mk 3 has already been embraced by some of IndyCar’s biggest names. AJ Foyt Racing, Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, PREMA Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Team Penske have all placed their orders. However, not every driver within these teams is making the switch; some will stick with the Mk 2 model used in 2024.
Max Papis Innovations, the brainchild of former driver and current IndyCar race steward Max Papis, provides the crucial quick-disconnect mechanism, ensuring that the Mk 3 not only enhances performance but also integrates seamlessly into existing setups.
Drivers Speak Out: The Mk 3 Experience
Chip Ganassi Racing’s reigning champion Alex Palou couldn’t hide his excitement about the new steering wheel. “Nowadays, with the hybrid, we’re doing so much stuff with the steering wheel compared to before,” Palou explained. “The previous steering wheel I was using, it was great. But we needed more buttons, or we needed more rotaries, or we needed also the buttons to be in positions that we physically couldn’t do it.”
The Mk 3, Palou emphasized, solves those problems effortlessly. “With this one, it gives us a lot more options, and at the same time, keeps it easier for the team to look after. The display, I think it’s a tiny bit bigger, which will help. And there’s a lot of buttons that I have at the back of the steering wheel. There’s more toggles and paddles. It’s pretty fancy.”
The Cost of Innovation
At $19,000 apiece, the Mk 3 isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s an investment in performance. Teams opting for this state-of-the-art steering wheel are betting on its ability to provide a competitive edge in a sport where milliseconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
A New Era of Control
The introduction of the Cosworth Mk 3 steering wheel marks a pivotal moment for IndyCar racing. With its enhanced functionality, tailored design, and adaptability to hybrid systems, the Mk 3 isn’t just a tool—it’s a statement of intent for the future of the sport.
As drivers take to the track in 2025, this revolutionary piece of technology is set to become the unsung hero behind every daring overtake, every perfectly timed pit stop, and every championship-defining moment. The future of IndyCar is here, and it’s gripping the wheel of progress.