Team Penske drivers experienced a major shift at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, during the Children of Alabama Grand Prix, as the newly introduced hybrid IndyCar technology made its race weekend debut. Scott McLaughlin, representing Team Penske and boasting two consecutive wins at this 2.38-mile road course, was among the first to share candid reactions after the opening practice session on Friday, expressing that the changes “feel a lot different,” confirming the impact the hybrid system has made.
This marked a significant moment in IndyCar history, as the series adopted hybrid power units at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course earlier in July 2024, mirroring trends in top-level racing such as Formula 1. The Barber event offered drivers the initial opportunity to push the new package under competitive conditions at a familiar and challenging circuit. For Team Penske, these developments required adaptability and quick learning, as drivers like Josef Newgarden, Will Power, and Scott McLaughlin adjusted to changes in car dynamics and power delivery over each lap.
McLaughlin, who leads the Team Penske trio in eighth place after four races in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Championship with 69 points, emphasized how the hybrid experience differs even for veterans at Barber. The anticipation around Team Penske’s approach is heightened by Roger Penske’s endorsement of Josef Newgarden as his favorite for the iconic Indianapolis 500. Newgarden’s recent victory in the 2024 Indy 500, his second career win at the event, places him in an elite group, and he now aims for a historic third consecutive triumph—a feat still unmatched.
The introduction of hybrid power by IndyCar has injected renewed competitiveness and technical intrigue into the field, pushing teams like Team Penske to strategize and innovate. With 34 confirmed competitors gearing up for the Indy 500 in just a few weeks, eyes remain fixed on how Team Penske will leverage their expertise and talent in the hybrid era. This hybrid evolution not only transforms the driving challenge but also heightens the stakes as the season progresses, promising more surprises and pivotal moments.
