Has Indycar got a problem with it's engine suppliers?

[John S]

With contracts until 26 could Honda & Chevy leave Indycar high & dry for 27?

https://racer.com/2025/08/24/honda-loves-indycar-but-remains-noncommittal-on-future

[Jericoke]

It's interesting to read that Honda is looking to move into NASCAR.

I don't have the bandwidth to follow American racing these days, but from youtube I get the feeling IndyCar is growing and NASCAR is shrinking (though I presume NASCAR is still 'bigger', and if they're actively courting Honda/getting Honda's attention, they may have bigger plans)

I know that Bernie advocated a 'world engine' so that F1 engines could be used in other series as a cost cutting measure.  Indy Car (well, IRL) was founded on the idea of using road car engine designs to keep costs down.  So I'm curious if the new engine formula for Indy doesn't have something for the suppliers.

[Dare]

Indy even had turbines in the 60's until they almost won and were banned

[cosworth151]

It does seem like they're cutting it pretty close. I expected the worst when Penske took it over and it looks like that's what's happening.

On the NASCAR side, Stellantis (Chrysler's current owner) is getting back in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next season. Maybe Honda is looking at the same thing with their little faux pickup.

[Jericoke]

It does seem like they're cutting it pretty close. I expected the worst when Penske took it over and it looks like that's what's happening.

On the NASCAR side, Stellantis (Chrysler's current owner) is getting back in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next season. Maybe Honda is looking at the same thing with their little faux pickup.

I suppose that Penske can contract with an engine supplier without 'manufacturer' support.  It's not like Chevy is making the engines in house anyway, I'm sure they're with some spinoff of Ilmore or Cosworth still.

I never know if Mopar is coming or going in NASCAR.  So weird that they just keep flip flopping like that.  Would definitely be a strike against Stellantis if they ever want to run in F1.

[cosworth151]

Yesterday (8/31) was the last IndyCar race of the season. When they presented the manufacturers trophy to Honda, they said, "We look forward to working with you and Chevrolet next season." The Honda guy just nodded.

I think a big reason for Chrysler's flip flopping on many things is revolving door ownership. Chrysler/Daimler Chrysler/Fiat Chrysler/Stellantis/Who Knows Who. I doubt it will effect any possible F1 involvement. Ford & GM have been in NASCAR since the beginning and they're both coming into F1.

[Jericoke]

I think a big reason for Chrysler's flip flopping on many things is revolving door ownership. Chrysler/Daimler Chrysler/Fiat Chrysler/Stellantis/Who Knows Who. I doubt it will effect any possible F1 involvement. Ford & GM have been in NASCAR since the beginning and they're both coming into F1.

I understand that bottom line is that if Stellantis shows up with a packed piggy bank, they'll be in F1.  Just interesting to note that F1 claims they want stable teams.  Stellantis is made up of a bunch of F1 quitters, on top of Dodge being a serial American racing quitter.

• Fiat - was the owners of Ferrari who allowed Ferrari to race in F1, but have sold Ferrari off
• Alfa Romeo - has history as a real constructor, and a sponsor, and now gone
• Maserati - has won the championship but hasn't raced F1 since the 1950s
• Peugeot - was in F1 as a forgettable engine supplier

[John S]

I think a big reason for Chrysler's flip flopping on many things is revolving door ownership. Chrysler/Daimler Chrysler/Fiat Chrysler/Stellantis/Who Knows Who. I doubt it will effect any possible F1 involvement. Ford & GM have been in NASCAR since the beginning and they're both coming into F1.

I understand that bottom line is that if Stellantis shows up with a packed piggy bank, they'll be in F1.  Just interesting to note that F1 claims they want stable teams.  Stellantis is made up of a bunch of F1 quitters, on top of Dodge being a serial American racing quitter.

• Fiat - was the owners of Ferrari who allowed Ferrari to race in F1, but have sold Ferrari off
• Alfa Romeo - has history as a real constructor, and a sponsor, and now gone
• Maserati - has won the championship but hasn't raced F1 since the 1950s
• Peugeot - was in F1 as a forgettable engine supplier

You're forgetting the changed financial landscape in F1 Jeri, manufacturers can make a profit from F1 teams and get worldwide publicity - good or bad - for free off the back of it.

There's talk of Hyundai scoping out a run at F1, either buying into present team or bidding for the 12th place on the grid.
Add to that Toyota cosying up to Haas, what's the end game there, full buy out or part ownership?

Not inconceivable that any manufacturer, old school or newbies from China, lining up a programme to get them a part of the pie.

Also explains why Renault is in no hurry to unload Alpine, Briatore given job of making profit, well at least stopping loss, rather than just top placing in championship. No surprise then Colapinto with his sponsors fat purse getting drive over Doohan.