IndyCar’s unique hybrid system has been in use for nearly two years, but some drivers wish the electrification components would be removed.
Scott Dixon, who retired after 69 laps of last week’s Detroit Grand Prix and has had other hybrid issues since its introduction, has been particularly vocal against the system.
He was less than pleased with the system following his retirement, and made further comments this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway clarifying that it is not just he who is unhappy with the hybrid’s performance.
“It’s still obviously really annoying when it’s stuff that’s out of your control,” said Dixon to IndyStar. “In one way, you get over it a lot quicker just because it’s not your problem, you know.
“Just unfortunate that a lot of people seem to have the same issue with something that really adds zero.
“It’s political, right?” Dixon continued when asked if he would get rid of the system entirely. “It’s above my pay grade.
“I think if you did a poll against drivers, or a Whatsapp group, I think it would be 100% get rid of it. But you know, there’s bigger things than us.”
Growing pains
IndyCar’s hybrid implementation has been largely successful, if invisible, since it was introduced in Mid-Ohio last year.
The system was delayed a couple times, but was pushed over the line in order to satisfy demands from Honda and other IndyCar partners.
There have been growing pains, but there have only been intermittent failures that have directly affected race results.
Even so, with teams largely having no control over the power units, any failures are taken poorly.
Recent reports have described a scarcity of hybrid components in the paddock as well, with recent failures pushing closer to a shortage.
From the drivers’ side, management of the system keeps them busy in the cockpit. And sometimes they are forced to manage the system as it develops problems.
Though David Malukas has not suffered many issues himself, he understands Dixon’s viewpoint and said he would probably also get rid of them if he had the choice.
“I mean, yeah, I am in agreement to that,” said Malukas when he heard about Dixon’s earlier statement.
“It’s just it’s a lot going on, right? Honestly, for me, in some ways it’s fine because I grew up playing XBOX, PlayStation, all that.
“It’s a lot of buttons on the steering wheel. I’m used to pushing a lot. It does get really busy. For qualifying scenarios it’s not that bad, but in racing, you’re trying to pass a guy, have you weight jacker, you’re doing the deployment. It’s a lot. It is really busy
“From my side, I’ve actually been very fortunate. I really haven’t had a lot of issues with it. I know there’s been drivers especially this season having failures and all that.
“From my side, I’ve been fortunate. And not just this year, but ever since hybrids have been introduced, I never had issues.”
Discussion about this post