Scott Dixon has been handed a six-place grid penalty for the upcoming IndyCar race in Toronto due to an unapproved engine change in his No. 9 car. The New Zealand driver is set to run his sixth Honda engine of the 2025 season despite having five more races remaining on the calendar. This engine change violates IndyCar’s regulations, resulting in the penalty that will impact his starting position for the race in Canada.

IndyCar’s Engine Rules and Impact on Manufacturers’ Championship

IndyCar enforces strict regulations demanding engine reliability from both Honda and Chevrolet, unlike Formula 1 where drivers typically only receive grid penalties for engine changes. In IndyCar, engines exceeding the allowed number limit not only result in grid penalties but also mean the driver’s performance no longer contributes points toward the engine manufacturer championship. According to Article 16.1.2.3.2 of the rulebook, any driver using a fifth engine or more in a season forfeits the ability to earn points for the manufacturers’ title with that car.

Since Dixon already used his fifth engine earlier in the Detroit race, his results have not contributed to Honda’s manufacturers’ championship points for over a month. The new penalty in Toronto marks his second six-position grid drop this season, further challenging his efforts on the track.

Honda’s Dominance in the 2025 Season and Manufacturer Standings

Despite Dixon’s engine issues, Honda remains dominant in the 2025 IndyCar season, having secured victory in 11 of the 12 races held so far. This success has allowed the Japanese manufacturer to build a commanding 208-point lead over Chevrolet in the manufacturers’ championship standings, positioning them to potentially end Chevrolet’s three-year reign at the top of the table.

Scott Dixon’s Recent Performance and Praise for Honda Powertrain

Although unable to add manufacturer points due to engine penalties, Dixon has continued to deliver strong results, benefiting from Honda’s new powertrain. The six-time IndyCar champion recorded his third different race win of this season at the Mid-Ohio Grand Prix earlier this month, capitalizing on a teammate’s mistake to seize the victory. Following a solid performance at the first Iowa Speedway race, Dixon bounced back to finish second behind teammate Alex Palou at the subsequent event.

After the race at Iowa, Dixon expressed his appreciation for Honda’s technical support and performance during a post-race interview, saying,

“It was a great day. Ours was a little difficult, we kind of threw the kitchen sink at it to start with. Yesterday, on the high line, we weren’t super happy, so we used it as a bit of a test session to get everything dialed in.”

“Today, of course with Honda and HRC, the fuel mileage was crazy good and we could dictate what we wanted to do with strategy. It’s always nice to have those options in your back pocket. It worked out well for us! Congrats to Alex and congrats to Honda!” Dixon added.

Implications for the Remainder of the Season

With five rounds left in the 2025 season, Honda’s strong performance in the manufacturers’ championship could further extend their lead, challenging Chevrolet’s recent dominance in the sport. Although Scott Dixon faces setbacks due to the grid penalty and engine usage rules, his consistent competitiveness and Honda’s powerful engines suggest the team remains a serious contender as the season progresses.