Indy 500 2025: Major Penalties for Three Teams After Tech Failures

The 2025 Indianapolis 500, one of the biggest events in motorsports, just got a lot messier thanks to post-race controversies. Three teams—Marcus Ericsson (runner-up), Kyle Kirkwood (sixth), and Callum Illott (12th)—broke technical regulations.

Officials handed out severe penalties. That included stripping their original results, hitting them with fines, and suspending key team members.

On Monday afternoon, NTT INDYCAR SERIES officials announced that three teams failed post-race technical inspections after the 109th Indianapolis 500. The drivers involved were Ericsson, Kirkwood, and Illott.

Officials bumped them down to 31st, 32nd, and 33rd. Series points and prize money changed too, which has to sting.

Ericsson’s No. 27 and Kirkwood’s No. 28, both from Andretti Global, had unauthorized changes to their Dallara-supplied Energy Management System (EMS) covers and mounting points. They used unapproved spacers and parts, which is a big no-no.

INDYCAR rules say EMS covers must be used exactly as supplied. No modifications allowed unless INDYCAR gives the green light.

PREMA Racing’s Callum Illott also ran afoul of the rules. His No. 90 car failed the minimum endplate height and location spec during the front wing inspection.

That mistake cost the team dearly as well.

Besides the reclassification, all three teams got slapped with a $100,000 fine. Competition managers for these entries can’t attend the next race at Detroit, which runs from May 30 to June 1.

INDYCAR clearly isn’t messing around with rulebreakers, especially when safety and fairness are on the line.

Here are the main rules Andretti Global and PREMA Racing broke:

• Rule 9.3.1: Improper Conduct – Any member attempting or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or anything that hurts racing, INDYCAR, or the NTT INDYCAR SERIES can get penalized.
• Rule 14.1.2: Questions must be submitted and answered via IRIS. Modifications need approval at least seven days before use.
• Rule 14.1.3: All parts from an Approved Supplier must be used as supplied—no modifications unless INDYCAR says it’s okay.
• Rule 14.7.6.8: Front wing must meet Technical Inspection dimensions. Illott’s car failed the left side minimum endplate height.
• Rule 14.7.6.4: Endplates, wing flaps, and mainplanes must stay where they’re designed to be.

The penalties hit both the teams and drivers hard. For Marcus Ericsson, who nearly won and led until lap 187, getting dropped to 31st is brutal.

Andretti Global now faces not just a financial hit, but some real reputational damage too.

Kyle Kirkwood and Callum Illott also take a big hit. The fines and suspensions will make the next few races even tougher for their teams.

It could shake up the series standings in ways nobody saw coming.

These controversies at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 ripple out beyond just INDYCAR. They show how much motorsports depends on strict oversight and clear rules.

Incidents like this can really shift how fans and the public see the sport. It’s a reminder that transparency and accountability matter.

Honestly, the 2025 Indy 500 is a bit of a wake-up call about following technical regulations. Teams have to double-check that every change is approved and by the book.

Andretti Global and PREMA Racing’s penalties send a clear message—cut corners, and you’ll pay the price.

As the INDYCAR series moves forward, teams will have to watch compliance more closely than ever. The next event in Detroit is going to be interesting, especially with some competition managers sitting out.

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 will stick in people’s minds, not just for the wild race, but for the big penalties that came after. Disqualifications and hefty fines really hammered home how crucial it is to follow the rules in motorsports.

If you want to dig into the details about what went wrong and who got hit with penalties, check out the full report here.