The biggest differences between F1 and IndyCar heading into race weekend explained

BLAZING speeds and open-wheeled circuits are two similarities that Formula 1 (F1) and IndyCar racing share.

But these two motorsports contain plenty of differences.

IndyCar racing is US-based.

Every IndyCar race takes place in the US, except Canada’s annual Honda Indy Toronto event.

F1 races take place on every continent except for Antartica and Africa.

F1 race grids comprise 20 drivers, with each team racing two cars.

A race’s grid holds each car’s starting position.

IndyCar’s grid is bigger, with 26 different teams and 29 drivers.

The F1 driver with the fastest race lap during a Sunday race receives an extra point.

IndyCars get two points when they lead the most laps during a race.

F1 teams can choose their cars’ engine and chassis manufacturer and produce their own car parts.

IndyCar teams are limited to choosing their engine manufacturer.

F1 teams adapt their cars to each track between races with aerodynamic adjustments—while IndyCars use separate car settings for road or open circuit events.

F1 cars don’t compete on oval courses like IndyCar.

When comparing these two vehicles speed capabilities, IndyCars have better straight-line speed, while F1 cars hold an edge in cornering.

Compare the global popularity of these two sports and F1 wins hands down.

F1 is growing in popularity within the US, thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive Documentary that goes behind the scenes of the sport.

The IndyCar racing industry isn’t sure whether F1’s surging growth in the US will help or hurt them.

Brazilian IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves has a positive view of F1’s recent US growth, saying, “There are so many people telling me that they love Formula 1 and now want to come out to Indianapolis, so I don’t think this will jeopardize our fans. It will simply educate more people about racing.”

SportsPro Media reports that F1 had 54% more US viewers in 2021 than the previous year.

The Indy500 will air on ESPN on Sunday, May 29th, at 12.45pm EST.

The F1’s Monaco Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, May 29th, at 9am EST.