indycar vs f1

IndyCar Vs F1: Which Is The Ultimate Motorsport?

Regarding the most popular car racing in the world, two series worthy set their places at the top. Formula 1 and IndyCar are both top-tier open-wheel, single-seat racing championships that enlist some of the most competent drivers globally. Moreover, at first glance, the single-seater cars in Formula 1 and IndyCar look similar. A low-slung, modern look with wings at the front and back and large tires make the impression that Formula 1 and IndyCar are about the same. Nevertheless, what makes them stand out is the distinctions between them. So let’s check their key differences to find which is the ultimate motorsport: IndyCar or F1?

History and Origins: IndyCar vs F1 Racing

IndyCar

IndyCar racing has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the spiritual home of IndyCar racing, was built in 1909 and hosted its first race, the Indianapolis 500, in 1911. Upward 90,000 spectators packed the track to see 40 cars speed around a 2.5-mile circuit 200 times. This race has captivated audiences worldwide.

Over the years, IndyCar racing has evolved with changes in regulations, technology, and competition formats. The series has seen legendary drivers like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Scott Dixon dominate the tracks. The history of IndyCar racing is filled with memorable moments, from close finishes to tragic accidents, all of which have contributed to its enduring appeal.

Formula 1

While IndyCar has its roots in the United States, Formula 1 racing has a distinctly European heritage. The inaugural F1 World Championship occurred in 1950, with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone serving as the first race. Up to 120,000 spectators lined the track on race day, including His Royal Highness King George VI, who attended the race with Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and guests Lord and Lady Mountbatten. Since then, F1 has become synonymous with speed, precision, and technological innovation.

F1 racing has attracted some of the most excellent drivers in motorsport history, including legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. The sport has seen fierce rivalries in F1, daring overtakes, and iconic moments that have etched themselves into the collective memory of racing fans worldwide.

Although Formula 1 attracted 30 000 more fans than IndyCar to its inaugural race in Great Britain, IndyCar is more legendary in terms of history, as the difference between IndyCar and Formula 1 first races is almost 40 years! Undoubtedly it is a powerful argument! 

IndyCar versus F1: Cars

The IndyCar Series and F1 World Championships have cars that may appear alike, but their technical specifications are dissimilar.

IndyCar cars all share the same chassis – Dallara DW12 and aerodynamic kit, while the engines come from either Chevrolet or Honda. To gain an advantage in the races, racing teams are responsible for building and developing all other components. 

In contrast to IndyCar, the ten teams in F1 have their own unique car designs, while the power units are all manufactured by: Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault (providing to Alpine) and Honda (for Red Bull and AlphaTauri).

F1 cars are more maneuverable on the track, but IndyCars can reach significantly greater velocities. During races, IndyCars can zoom past at around 240 mph, in comparison to the 220 mph peak of F1 vehicles. 

In order to ensure the safety of F1 drivers, the Halo has been implemented to protect them from head injuries. As for the IndyCar Series, they have gone with a combination of the Halo and a Red Bull-developed “aeroscreen.” 

IndyCar car
photo by Jim Bauer, Flickr

Cars Weight and Sizes Differences in IndyCar and Formula 1

Unlike the size, the weight is crucial in motorsport. The lighter the car, the faster it is. With a minimum weight of 798kg (1,759 lbs.), the F1 car in 2023 is 5.63m in length, 2m wide, and 95cm tall

Formula 1 cars are equipped with 18 inches in diameter tires. There are three different Pirelli compounds of the slick tire and the intermediate and full-wet tire for teams per race weekend.

On the other hand, IndyCar became a bit heavier over time but still lighter than the F1 car, which is 710 kg (1500 lbs.). With such features, it is smaller than in Formula 1 and is 5.1 meters in length by 1.9 meters in width

The 15 inches in diameter Firestone tires in IndyCar depend on the track. One type of tire for ovals, while road and street tracks can use all three types – primary, alternate, and rain. Cars in IndyCar use E85 fuel (85% ethanol), and a tank holds 18.5 gallons.

Thus, by the most features, IndyCar looks more ultimate than F1 cars, but it is just a result of its small size. While in practice, the picture may change.  

Formula 1 cars ERS DRS
Daniel Ricciardo during wet qualifying at the 2022 British Grand Prix

IndyCar vs F1 horsepower

The engines supplied by Honda and Chevrolet are super powerful and reliable, providing the drivers with outstanding performance. Indy car has a 2.2-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine, producing 550-750 horsepower

With such power, IndyCar goes from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 0 -200 mph in about 8 seconds, while the F1 car reaches the same point faster in 2.6 seconds and about 4 seconds, respectively. How is it possible, you may say?

The answer lies in aerodynamics. F1 cars feature aerodynamic designs that generate immense downforce, allowing them to corner at incredibly high speeds. 

Switching from the V8 2.6-liter engines in 2014, the F1 car has the 1.6-liter V6 hybrid engine coupled with a turbocharger, as well as motor generator units like the MGU-H and MGU-K, producing 750 – 1000 horsepower.

G-forces in F1 and IndyCar

The cars in F1 accelerate faster and corner maneuverable due to the grip. Therefore, the G-forces in Formula 1 are higher than in IndyCar. The average load in IndyCar is about 5.18 G and an additional 2.26 G in the lateral acceleration jumps. F1 drivers experience about 6 G.
Indycar battle

Which is faster: Formula 1 or IndyCar?

The highest speed of IndyCar was recorded by Aerie Luyendyk. He reached over 381 km/h (237 mph) in qualifying for the Indy 500 in 1996Scott Dixon took pole for the 2022 Indy 500 with a 378 km/h (234mph).  

At the same time, the speed record in Formula 1 was set by Juan Pablo Montoya. He reached 372.6km/h (231.52mph) in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix 2005. While Valtteri Bottas hit 372.5 km/h (231.4mph) in the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix.

Obvious? Not so simple. At a closer look at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where both series had raced in 2019, the picture changes. Thus, with an average speed of 186.349km/h, the IndyCar pole time was 1m46.018s. While averaging 206.374km/h, Valtteri Bottas set time for a pole for 1m32.029s.

With its top speed, IndyCar is faster than F1. Although, F1 cars are faster when the case is about completing the entire lap.

F1 cars

Race Format Diference

There are three-stage qualifying sessions to decide the starting grid for a Formula 1 race: Q1, Q2, and Q3. For Q1, the drivers have 18 minutes total to make their quickest lap. When the chequered flag falls, the five slowest drivers are eliminated, and the remaining 15 progress to Q2. The top 10 participants proceed to Q3. The quickest times deciding where they will begin the race. With the introduction of ‘Sprint,’ the weekend became more thrilling at some Grand Prix with an additional short 100km race. 

The amount of IndyCar qualifying fluctuates depending on the race. Regarding street and road races, the drivers are broken up into two groups. From each group, the six quickest drivers are eligible for the second segment of qualifying,. The rest of the competitors take the 13th place and lower spots in the standings.

The quickest twelve have a 10-minute window to set a lap. The six quickest then going to the Fast Six shootout. The other drivers will arrange themselves from the 12th to the 7th. The final six have six minutes to record the quickest lap and acquire the pole position.

At oval events, racers take turns to go out on the track, with the average of both their lap times making up their official qualifying time.

To qualify for the one-of-a-kind Indianapolis 500, drivers must first complete four laps with the average time recorded on the opening day. The top nine qualifiers will then have to repeat the process in the Fast Nine Shootout. Those in the bottom 30 participating in the Last Row Shootout to ultimately determine the final grid.

ERS F1 system explained

Points System in Formula 1 and IndyCar

F1 and IndyCar Series feature two distinct scoring systems due to the disparity in the formats of the driver fields. Whereas the former begins with 20 drivers, the latter can have between 24 and 33 starters for the Indy 500.

In a Sprint F1 race, drivers are awarded to the top 8 positions. The winner gets 8 points, and each position behind them will receive one fewer point. Positions 9th to 20th do not gain any points.

Fun Fact

The entry list for Indy500 grows to 33 racers, allowing for guest racers from other racing competitions such as Formula 1.

 F1 or IndyCar: Which is harder? 

Max Verstappen once noted it would be better to watch than to race in IndyCar. Moreover, IndyCar is a bit harder than Formula 1 because the driver controls more settings. 

For example, in F1 they use power steering, which is not a feature of IndyCar Series cars. As a result, IndyCar drivers must take on the extra strain of having to manually steer their vehicle, making the task more laborious. 

IndyCar vs formula 1
photo by tomohisa suna, flickr

Devil in the Details: What are the key differences?

The primary focus of F1 is to progress throughout a season. The teams attempt to bring in as many advancements as allowed by the budget cap. On the other hand, IndyCar keeps their machines mostly the same, instead concentrating on the best ways to adapt each car to the needs of each racetrack.

In F1, there are a total of 10 teams with two drivers each, and they must all use the same livery. IndyCar races can have anywhere from 20 to 33 cars in the grid, with each team having the option of entering from one to up to six cars. Additionally, the teams do not have to use the same livery.

IndyCar has a total of 45 courses available, consisting of 24 ovals10 road courses10 street circuits, and a combined road configuration. The tracks are situated in both the United States and Canada. The average length of the courses is 350 miles. In IndyCar oval races, no time constraint applies, and drivers race to a specific pre-set length, while for road or street course events, a two-hour limit is typically used.

Formula 1 racing has been held on 75 circuits worldwide, out of which 40 are approved by the FIA. These include street courses, road tracks, race circuits, and hybrid courses. The F1 race is run for 190 miles or two hours – whichever is shorter. 

The F1 series visits multiple countries, including Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Australia, but IndyCar remains almost exclusively within the United States, apart from a single event in Canada.

IndyCar vs F1 costs

However, in terms of costs, both disciplines have limits. With only two engine manufacturers (Honda and Chevrolet) and one chassis maker (Dallara), IndyCar programs can run up to $10 million per car. In Formula 1, teams design, develop and test their vehicles but have a cost ceiling of $135 million per two-car team per year.

 

IndyCar drivers vs F1 drivers: Who is paid more?

An IndyCar driver’s average salary is about $750,000. It is the same for a rookie F1 driver per season. That is how much Yuki Tsunoda gains for the 2023 Formula 1 season in Alpha Tauri, excluding the additional contract sponsorship rewards. 

What about the world stars? By different estimations, six-time IndyCar series champion Scott Dixon makes $3 – 5m annually. While the other figures have more in common with reality, about $12 million. It looks enough for simple living. However, such net worth makes Dixon the third highest-paid sports personality in New Zealand. 

But F1 drivers’ salaries are higher than their colleagues in IndyCar have. So, comparing these racers in terms of their fees, Scott Dixon makes the same as Sergio Perez ($10m) or Carlos Sainz ($12m), while both of them are just sixth and seventh, respectively, of highly paid F1 driver rating for 2023 season.

Previously, Lewis Hamilton led the standings as the highest paid drive awhile. In 2020, he earned a fantastic salary of $76 million. However, today it is Max Verstappen has the highest salary on the grid. His fee promises him about $50 million for the season. Not bad.

Regarding equality among drivers’ salaries, IndyCar leads, while F1 drivers still make more money.

Can IndyCar drivers go to F1?

Transferring drivers from F1 to IndyCar is a usual thing. Thus, many drivers who previously raced in Formula 1, such as Alexander Rossi, Marcus Ericsson, Takuma Sato, and Romain Grosjean, successfully switched to IndyCar. Moreover, Takuma Sato won the Indianapolis 500 two times. While Marcus Ericsson became the second Swedish driver to win the Indianapolis 500.  However, the switching from IndyCar to F1 doesn’t work same way. Thus, Alex Palou, Colton Herta, and Pato O’Ward still await their chance in Formula 1. 
Indycar vs F1

Fan Experience in IndyCar and F1 Racing

The sport’s fan experience and engagement in IndyCar and F1 racing are vital in our comparison. In IndyCar, fans can get up close and personal with the drivers and teams. 

The paddock is open to the public. It allows fans to interact with their favorite drivers, collect autographs, and experience behind-the-scenes action. Additionally, IndyCar races often have a festival-like atmosphere, with concerts and other entertainment options available to fans. 

In contrast, Formula 1 is closed and offers a more exclusive and luxurious experience. The paddock is restricted to team members and VIPs, creating an air of exclusivity around the sport. F1 races often attract celebrities and high-profile guests, adding to the glitz and glamour of the event. The fan experience in F1 is characterized by a combination of sophistication and spectacle, with state-of-the-art facilities and extravagant hospitality options. 

F1 tickets differ from IndyCar tickets. They are typically more expensive and must be purchased in advance. The average price of F1 tickets 2023 is around $1200 and may reach tens of thousands of dollars. 

On the contrary to F1, fans can purchase their IndyCar Series tickets at the average price of $127. Imagine, it’s ten times less than Formula 1 offers. 

Popularity

IndyCar and F1 have different fanbases, with each series attracting different types of racing enthusiasts. 

The average IndyCar fan base of viewers is about 1,8 million. The audience of it is most popular Indianapolis 500 race reached 5 million viewers in 2022!  

In these terms, Formula 1 is more global. With an average of 2,5 million viewers per race, its cumulative TV audience hit 1.54 billion in 2022! However, the breathtaking record for the count of viewers per Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 reached fascinating 108.7m viewers!

Which is Better, IndyCar or Formula 1?

IndyCar and F1 racing are both ultimate motorsport series because these offer unique thrills and showcase the skills of exceptional drivers. IndyCar racing captivates fans with its high-speed action, close racing, and fan-friendly atmosphere. On the other hand, F1 racing’s cutting-edge technology, global prestige, and iconic races make it the pinnacle of motorsport.

Ultimately, the choice between IndyCar and F1 racing comes from personal preference. Besides, many F1 fans are IndyCar spectators. Vice versa is also right. Moreover, there are many IndyCar fans among current F1 drivers. Fernando Alonso is that one.

However, some fans may prefer the raw excitement of IndyCar. Others may be drawn to the sophistication and glamour of F1. There’s no denying that both IndyCar and F1 racing have a special place in the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts. But the rivalry between the two only adds to the excitement and passion of the sport.