The only real exception
is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On this ultra-fast oval, the
IndyCar reach impressive average speeds thanks to
their very low drag aerodynamic setup and the
banked turns.
Read more Oscar Piastri looks beyond the results and feels he is progressing despite an uneven season
During the qualifying for the 2026 Indianapolis 500,
Alex Palou (Ganassi) posted an average
of 373.7 km/h over four consecutive laps, a performance
that no Formula 1 can match over a full lap. However,
the absolute top speed remains in favor of F1:
the record is held by Valtteri Bottas with 378 km/h in Baku in
2016, but this is an instantaneous speed on a straight, and
not an average over a lap.
The best direct comparison
between the two disciplines dates back to the Circuit of the Americas
(COTA) in 2019, the only circuit where they raced the same year.
Valtteri Bottas had secured pole position in Austin with
1’32″029 in F1, while Will Power had taken the IndyCar pole
in 1’46″018, nearly 14 seconds difference on a 5.5
km lap.
This difference is mainly explained
by the extremely high aerodynamic downforce of F1 cars,
which allows them to corner much faster, as well as
their superior power. Conversely, IndyCar favors
a simpler and more economical philosophy: all teams
use the same Dallara chassis and choose between two
engine manufacturers (Honda or Chevrolet), which significantly reduces
costs and brings performance closer between competitors.
Read more Isack Hadjar has found consistency and can now aim for the podium regularly
A new IndyCar in
2028
Both championships
now use hybrid powertrains, but their
operation is very different. In IndyCar, the hybrid system,
introduced in 2024, provides a brief boost of barely 60
horsepower thanks to supercapacitors. In Formula 1, the 2026 rules
instead give a central role to electric power: the
power is split almost equally between the internal combustion
engine and the electric motor, which requires significant
energy management throughout the lap.
Formula 1 remains the fastest category
in the world on road circuits, while IndyCar
retains a unique advantage on fast ovals like
Indianapolis, where it can maintain constant average speeds
around 360 km/h (or 100 meters per
second) thanks to aerodynamics specifically designed for this
type of track.
IndyCar has just validated its new Dallara IR-28 chassis,
much more modern than the ancient DW12 in service
for fifteen years. According to initial tests, lap times
should be lowered by several seconds, especially on
road circuits and street tracks thanks to a more
performant and lighter single-seater. But on these terrains,
the American formula will never reach the performance of an F1: apples and oranges!
Read more Romain Grosjean in the top 10 on the grid in Portland tonight, live on Canal +