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Josef Newgarden Takes Aim at Formula 1: ‘The Pinnacle of Hype, Not Racing’—Why IndyCar Still Holds the True Competitive Edge

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 17, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Josef Newgarden Takes Aim at Formula 1: ‘The Pinnacle of Hype, Not Racing’—Why IndyCar Still Holds the True Competitive Edge

Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) kisses the hand of his son while standing for the nation anthem with his wife Ashley Newgarden on Sunday, May 26, 2024, ahead of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden has reignited the debate about Formula 1’s dominance in global motorsport, delivering a sharp critique of the series often touted as the “pinnacle of racing.” While acknowledging F1’s technological supremacy and massive financial clout, Newgarden believes the sport falls short where it matters most—pure competition. For him, IndyCar remains the gold standard for drivers seeking to prove themselves in a truly level playing field.


“F1 Has Marketed Itself as the Pinnacle”

Appearing on Jason Stein’s “Cars and Culture” podcast, Newgarden praised Formula 1’s undeniable success in branding itself as the ultimate motorsport. F1 has achieved global recognition through its technological prowess, massive budgets, and unprecedented media coverage, particularly with the popularity of Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

“Formula 1 has done a tremendous job at marketing itself as the pinnacle,” Newgarden admitted. “And in some ways, it absolutely is. If we’re talking about the pinnacle of car technology and engineering, that is what Formula 1 represents. There are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people on a team with unbelievable budgets—half a billion dollars on some of these groups—that are building the most impressive cars on the planet.”


“It’s Not the Most Impressive Racing Product”

While Newgarden respects F1’s engineering feats, he takes issue with the quality of racing. Despite its glamorous façade, Newgarden claims the competition lacks depth, with only a few drivers having a genuine shot at victory or championship glory. This imbalance, he argues, dilutes F1’s appeal as a drivers’ championship.

“But is it [F1] the most impressive racing product on the planet? Having been part of racing for so long and growing up watching it, I know it’s not. I’m positive on that,” Newgarden said, pulling no punches.

For Newgarden, the contrast between F1 and IndyCar couldn’t be clearer. While F1 teams spend astronomical amounts on developing cars that are sometimes seconds apart in performance, IndyCar delivers hard-fought battles on track with a far more level playing field. Success in IndyCar comes down to driver skill, strategy, and adaptability—not just having the deepest pockets.


“IndyCar: The Real Battleground for Drivers”

The IndyCar veteran emphasized how the series sets itself apart by prioritizing parity. In IndyCar, any driver on the grid has a realistic chance to win races and championships, regardless of their team’s resources.

“I think IndyCar is where you’re going to get the most competitive product as a racing driver,” Newgarden asserted. “When you’re a driver at the top level, you want to have an opportunity to compete, to win the championship, to win big races regardless of your situation. Unfortunately, that’s not present in Formula 1. So from that standpoint, it’s not as appealing.”


“The F1 Dream Isn’t What It Used to Be”

While many drivers still aspire to reach Formula 1, Newgarden has grown disillusioned with the series over time. The allure of racing in F1 has faded, replaced by a clear understanding of its limitations.

“The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve been in racing and watched Formula 1, I don’t know if it’s somewhere I really want to race,” Newgarden previously stated. “It doesn’t look as much of a drivers’ championship to me.”

This candid admission highlights a major shift in perception. For young drivers, F1 remains a dream fueled by glamour and prestige, but Newgarden’s experience has led him to value true competition over spectacle.


The Verdict: Hype vs. Reality

Newgarden’s comments draw attention to the fundamental difference between Formula 1 and IndyCar. While F1 represents the pinnacle of technology, marketing, and financial investment, it often sacrifices the very essence of racing—competitive equality. IndyCar, on the other hand, offers a platform where talent takes center stage, and victory is earned rather than bought.

As F1 continues to expand its global reach, its dominance is increasingly being scrutinized. Newgarden’s remarks serve as a reminder that while Formula 1 may lead the motorsport world in spectacle, IndyCar still delivers the heart-pounding, wheel-to-wheel action that racing purists crave.


Final Thoughts: A Challenge to F1’s Supremacy

Josef Newgarden’s bold critique challenges Formula 1 to re-examine its priorities. Can the sport maintain its image as the pinnacle of motorsport while its competitive disparity grows? Or will series like IndyCar, which offer true racing equality, continue to win the hearts of fans and drivers alike?

For Newgarden, the answer is clear:
“If you want the best drivers’ championship, come to IndyCar. That’s where racing is at its purest.”

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