The iRacing INDYCAR Hybrid Update won’t arrive in the September 2025 build.
Developers confirm that the project is taking longer than expected as the team fine-tunes energy recovery and deployment behavior. The feature is now set to release in a later build once testing and performance checks are complete.
According to the latest blog post, the new system will launch as a manual deploy hybrid. Drivers will control when to engage the boost rather than relying on automatic activation. That detail keeps the system faithful to how INDYCAR’s real hybrid technology works.
What’s Being Developed
The project involves major updates to iRacing’s physics engine. Developers are writing new code to handle battery charge, regeneration, and energy delivery through the Dallara IR-18’s drivetrain. They’re also testing how the hybrid interacts with fuel mapping and traction during long green-flag runs.
Because of these complex changes, the team needs extra time to verify that everything behaves correctly under racing conditions. As a result, the hybrid system will skip the September build to avoid stability issues.
Manual Deploy Confirmed
When the feature does arrive, players will control deployment with a new push-to-deploy button. That means timing and strategy will play a big role in overtaking or defending. The system will also recharge during braking and coasting, just like in the real series.
In addition, the update will include new UI elements showing battery percentage and boost availability. Developers say these tools will help racers manage their hybrid energy during practice and races.
Community Reaction
While some fans are disappointed by the delay, most agree that quality matters more than timing. Many members praise iRacing for being transparent about the status of the iRacing INDYCAR Hybrid Update. They note that this system will be one of the most advanced vehicle physics additions ever added to the sim.
Several community members also hope the new technology will open the door for hybrid or electric cars from other racing series in the future.
Building a hybrid power unit inside iRacing requires deep integration across multiple systems. The new energy model affects sound, telemetry, car weight, and tire behavior. Developers explain that launching it too early could cause problems in official series and special events.
By waiting until the feature is stable, iRacing ensures that the hybrid system performs exactly as real INDYCAR engineers expect. Once complete, it will deliver a more realistic and strategic racing experience for open-wheel fans.
