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In 2024, IndyCar witnessed a massive shift in how drivers and teams would operate thereon. A new hybrid Power Unit that boasted a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 Engine, an MGU, and an Energy Storage System (ESS) were introduced. It added 105 pounds to the car and completely changed its balance.
Drivers also found a new friend in their cars - the hybrid assist. When coupled with the Push to Pass, it gave them an additional 120hp boost, which blew Marcus Ericsson away. "You can feel it deploying," was his assessment of the new system.
Additionally, smaller changes like the restart line, which aimed at reducing overtake-induced Lap 1 crashes, and the reintroduction of the Milwaukee Mile, were implemented. With this as the backdrop, let's take a look at what exciting changes the 2025 IndyCar series promises.
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From NBC to Fox Sports: IndyCar signs historic broadcasting deal
In 2023, NBC propelled IndyCar viewership to new heights. The season averaged 1.32 million viewers across NBC, USA Network, Peacock, and NBC Sports digital platforms. IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said via Forbes:
"IndyCar is a compelling sport. Exciting racing and great athletes. NBC has provided us great reach and partnered with us on more strategic scheduling. It’s no wonder our fan base and viewership continue to grow."
However, this partnership quickly turned sour in 2024. NBC's wide portfolio of media rights to other properties pushed IndyCar down on its priority list, and viewership took a dip. Miles had to be quick on his feet, and he was. IndyCar ended its 15-year partnership with NBC and announced a new deal with Fox Sports for 2025. This will make IndyCar the only motorsport to have a major broadcast network coverage for all races.
According to Miles, Fox promises a 52% increase in the number of broadcasting hours and a 30% overall increase in Total Audience Delivery (TAD).
PREMA Racing's IndyCar debut and the series' exciting new drivers
The 2025 grid had six rookies. In comparison, the 2025 grid will have at least two (four seats yet to be filled) - 2024 INDY NXT champion Louis Foster and Ferrari WEC driver Robert Shwartzman. Foster will join Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Shwartzman, PREMA Racing. PREMA Racing will make its IndyCar debut in 2025 with Callum Ilott joining Shwartzman to race for the Italian team.
Talking about driver changes, Christian Lundgaard will depart RLL and replace Alex Rossi at Arrow McLaren, who will join Ed Carpenter Racing. Meyer Shank Racing's David Malukas will switch to AJ Foyt Racing, and Marcus Armstrong will take his place at MSR, leaving Chip Ganassi Racing. Finally, Sting Ray Robb will leave AJ Foyt Racing for Juncos Hollinger Racing.
For the first time in 2025, IndyCar will also award "charters" to all teams barring PREMA Racing. The chartered entries get guaranteed positions on the starting grid in all NTT IndyCar Series races except the Indy 500. This privilege also extends to them becoming eligible for the Leaders Circle program.
Changes to the 2025 schedule
When the Milwaukee Mile returned to the 2024 IndyCar calendar, it was given the privilege of hosting a double-header. However, come 2025, it will only host one.
The calendar length will remain the same with Thermal Club hosting a points-paying race. In 2024, the 3.067-mile road course only hosted an exhibition race named the $1 million challenge in Thermal, California.
