What’s the difference between IndyCar and F1? You’re not alone in asking that question. It’s easy to understand why people think they’re the same, because the IndyCar Series and Formula 1 have plenty in common as popular open-wheel car racing sports.
Formula 1 and IndyCar are quite similar, and some drivers have even competed in both sports events over the years. However, the differences in both car racing tournaments are pretty substantial!
What is the difference between F1 and IndyCar?
The distinctions between Formula 1 and IndyCar go beyond the sizes of the vehicles and where the races take place. Drivers require different strategies, techniques, and technologies to thrive in their respective sports.
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IndyCar vs. F1 explained
F1 and IndyCar are far more different than one might think
Let’s get the basics out of the way: Formula 1 and IndyCar are alike in that both involve racing cars—and we promise we’ll get to compare the vehicles in question momentarily. Some of the world’s top drivers compete yearly in single-driver cars to dominate the field and see their names in flashing lights. A select few, including the legendary Mario Andretti, have even competed in both tournaments!
In fact, there’s a chance you’ve even caught F1 and IndyCar races on the same day on TV (or your streaming device of choice). The F1 and IndyCar seasons typically overlap for much of the calendar year, usually between April through September, when the IndyCar season ordinarily concludes.
However, that’s where the most significant similarities between Formula 1 and IndyCar end. The 2024 F1 season began in February and will end in November, mainly because the campaign occurs in 21 countries across five continents. On the other hand, IndyCar races only took place in the United States this season, save the July 21 race in Toronto.
Is there a difference between F1 and IndyCar cars?
IndyCars usually look near-identical, and that isn’t by accident. Every car in the IndyCar Series uses the same chassis and aerodynamic kit, with Chevrolet or Honda providing the engines. Of course, that doesn’t mean drivers and their teams can’t spice things up by giving each vehicle special colors or different brake ducts.
Then, there’s the wide world of Formula 1 cars. Key factors that distinguish each vehicle from one another include front and rear wing designs, shape and weight distribution of the chassis, the suspension setups, and much more.
Racing fans often wonder: is an IndyCar faster than an F1 car? As of 2024, IndyCar vehicles can hit speeds upwards of 240 mph, while F1 cars max out at around 220 mph. Sign us up for the chance to drive one!
Which is better: IndyCar or Formula 1?
Asking someone to pick between IndyCar or Formula 1 likely comes down to personal preference.
Formula 1’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, in large part because of Netflix’s Drive to Survive and, at least in the United States, increased exposure on ABC and ESPN. However, IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500 still arguably has more name recognition than any F1 race among U.S. fans.
If you’re asking us personally, we prefer Formula 1 over IndyCar, though part of that is, admittedly, recency bias. The 2024 F1 campaign has featured numerous drivers, including Lando Norris, finally challenge three-time defending champion Max Verstappen. Perhaps F1’s biggest roadblock (pun only slightly intended) in the last few years has been Verstappen’s dominance. Although MVS is still winning races, we’re watching his competitors prove they’re not simply along for the ride.
OK, that pun was intended.
Still, that’s no knock against IndyCar. There’s a whole sport beyond the Indy 500, and we’re excited to see what 2025 and beyond holds!
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FAQ: What’s the difference between Formula 1 and IndyCar?
Is IndyCar faster than F1?
Formula 1 cars are generally faster than IndyCar vehicles, especially on circuits with sharp turns and varied elevations. F1 cars feature more advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge technology, allowing for higher speeds in corners. IndyCars, while slower on road courses, tend to be faster on oval tracks due to their more straightforward aerodynamic setup, reaching top speeds of over 230 mph compared to F1’s typical top speeds of around 220 mph. Ultimately, F1 cars excel in acceleration and cornering speed.
Can IndyCar drivers go to F1?
Yes, IndyCar drivers can and have transitioned to Formula 1, though it’s rare and challenging. The switch requires adjusting to different car technologies, race formats, and competition levels. Notable examples include Jacques Villeneuve, who won the F1 World Championship after an IndyCar career, and Juan Pablo Montoya, who successfully competed in both series. However, the shift is difficult because of F1’s complex driving techniques, technical demands, and limited seat availability, making it harder for IndyCar drivers to secure opportunities.
Has anyone won both F1 and IndyCar?
Yes, several drivers have won both Formula 1 and IndyCar titles. The most notable is Mario Andretti, who won the F1 World Championship in 1978 and the IndyCar title in 1965. Another is Emerson Fittipaldi, who claimed two F1 titles (1972 and 1974) and won the IndyCar championship in 1989. Jacques Villeneuve also achieved this feat, winning the F1 World Championship in 1997 after an IndyCar (CART) title in 1995.
Has F1 ever raced at Indy?
Yes, Formula 1 has raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, hosting the United States Grand Prix from 2000 to 2007 on the track’s road course. The layout combined part of the famous oval with a custom-built infield section. The most memorable race was in 2005 when only six cars competed due to tire safety concerns, leading to controversy. After 2007, F1 left Indianapolis, though the track remains iconic for its association with the Indy 500 and other motorsports events.
Why did F1 stop going to Indy?
Formula 1 stopped racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the 2007 United States Grand Prix due to a combination of factors. A major issue was the controversial 2005 race, in which only six cars participated due to Michelin’s tire safety concerns, causing a loss of trust and fan support. Additionally, disagreements over financial terms between F1 management (led by Bernie Ecclestone) and the track’s owners contributed to the decision.
Has anyone gone from Indy to F1?
Yes, several drivers have transitioned from IndyCar (or its predecessor, CART) to Formula 1! Notable examples include Jacques Villeneuve, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Mario Andretti. These transitions highlight the talent required to compete in both series at the highest level.
What are the top speeds of IndyCars?
IndyCars can reach top speeds of over 230 mph (370 km/h), particularly on oval tracks like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These high speeds are due to the cars’ aerodynamic design and powerful engines, which produce around 700 horsepower. IndyCars tend to reach lower speeds on road and street circuits due to tighter corners and braking zones, typically maxing out around 180-200 mph (290-320 km/h). However, on ovals, the wide, banked turns allow drivers to sustain higher speeds over long distances.
Who is the highest-paid IndyCar driver?
Marcus Ericsson, the highest-paid driver in IndyCar for 2024, earns 3.1 million USD annually. Ericsson races for Chip Ganassi Racing and has gained recognition, particularly after winning the Indianapolis 500. Other top earners in IndyCar include Pato O’Ward, who makes 1 million USD, and Scott Dixon, who earns over 700,000 USD per year. While these salaries are significant, they are lower than Formula 1, where top drivers like Max Verstappen earn tens of millions.
What is the average salary of an F1 driver?
The average salary of a Formula 1 driver is approximately 14.5 million USD per year, though top earners skew this figure. The highest-paid drivers, like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, earn significantly more, with Verstappen reportedly making 70 million USD and Hamilton around 55 million USD annually. However, drivers at the lower end, such as Logan Sargeant and Yuki Tsunoda, earn about 1 million USD per year.
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