Whether you are a fan of Formula 1 or the NASCAR Cup Series, you can agree that both series are in leagues of their own. While they might seem similar to a layman, their differences offer a varied viewing experience as well as a sense of competition to all motorsports enthusiasts. When it comes to the crux of it, both are in essence about racing but have a very different audience they cater to, the viewing experience and the technicality of the cars.
Differences between F1 and NASCAR
When it comes to Formula 1 and NASCAR, the biggest difference comes from the physical appearance of the cars. The NASCAR Cup Series is a stock car racing series where the cars are nearly identical to the ones driven on the streets. The F1 car is an open-cockpit, single-seater, open-wheel racing car. Because of these structural differences in the cars, Formula 1 cars are lighter and also more aerodynamic. This makes the cars faster across the track and also more unique to each F1 team. Formula 1 teams aim to be competitive based on their unique interpretation of the rules, making all the cars on the grid different and well-adjusted to their driver’s preferred setup. While in NASCAR, teams are required to follow a more rigid structure making the teams more similar to each other.
Another visual difference comes from the circuits they compete on. NASCAR tracks are ovular at their core, they might be categorized as short or long tracks but they are still very similar. Formula 1 racing circuits are drastically different, most of the tracks are very different made up of sharp turns and high-speed corners. The tracks are either racing circuits or street circuits.
For more than a decade the number of teams in Formula 1 has been 10, with two drivers in each team. In NASCAR the teams on the grid are made up of chartered teams, teams with guaranteed entry into every championship race, and open entries for other teams. Full-time F1 drivers are not allowed to be part of any other Formula feeder series like F2 and F3. In NASCAR, Cup Series drivers can participate as part-time drivers in the other National Series of NASCAR like Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series.
FAQ's On difference between F1 and NASCAR
A. Formula 1 cars are faster than NASCAR stock cars due to their lightweight and better aerodynamics.
A. Formula 1 usually supports more revenue than NASCAR due to its more global racing circuit approach.
A. Formula 1 commands an international appeal and has been able to gain more popularity than NASCAR, a mostly American sport.
A. The cost of a Formula 1 car can be more than $10 million, based on the team. Whereas, NASCAR cars cost between $200,000 and $600,000.
