F1 vs IndyCar: What James Hinchcliffe Thinks Each Series Can Learn
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James Hinchcliffe shares his insights on what Formula 1 and IndyCar can learn from each other, from structured race weekends to driver accessibility.
Despite both being premier open-wheel racing series, Formula 1 and IndyCar operate in vastly different ways. According to F1TV commentator and former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, there are valuable lessons each series could take from the other.
Hinchcliffe’s Unique Perspective on F1 and IndyCar
As a former IndyCar driver turned Formula 1 broadcaster, James Hinchcliffe has a unique vantage point on both motorsport disciplines. Since retiring from full-time racing in 2021, the Canadian has transitioned into the commentary booth, first with NBC and later with F1TV, where he has become a familiar voice on North American broadcasts.
His initial three-race contract with F1TV in 2022 expanded into an eight-race deal for 2024, and his presence in the paddock has sparked discussions about his potential return in 2025.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, we sat down with Hinchcliffe to discuss his commentary career and what each series could learn from the other.
Formula 1’s Strength: A Structured Race Weekend
One of the first aspects of Formula 1 that Hinchcliffe praised was the sport’s meticulously structured race weekends.
“No matter where in the world you are, you know that Practice 2 will take place the same amount of time after Practice 1, and it goes all the way back to the track tests on Wednesday,” he explained.
“Like, I can tell you what time the safety car laps are on Thursday, and from that, I can delineate what time FP3 ends.”
Hinchcliffe highlighted how this consistency helps teams, drivers, and event organizers stay on schedule, even when navigating back-to-back races in different countries.
In contrast, IndyCar’s race weekends are far less predictable. The schedule varies based on the track type—whether it’s an oval, street circuit, or road course—as well as the other racing series sharing the event.
IndyCar’s Advantage: Driver Accessibility
While Formula 1’s organization is a strength, Hinchcliffe believes IndyCar’s driver accessibility is something F1 could improve upon.
“Certainly, a lot of the driver interaction stuff,” Hinchcliffe said.
“I get that the drivers [in F1] are a little more desired, so it’s harder to pick and choose, but I sometimes hear of things they are and aren’t willing to do.
And I think about the IndyCar paddock, and I’m like, there’s literally nobody who wouldn’t do that. I don’t get why that’s a big deal.”
IndyCar has built a strong reputation for its fan engagement, with drivers being more approachable at events. Hinchcliffe suggests that Formula 1 could benefit from fostering a similar level of interaction.
Can One Series Do It All?
While both Formula 1 and IndyCar have their own distinct identities, Hinchcliffe acknowledges that neither can be a perfect hybrid.
“Look, you can’t have one series that does it all. Both are great in their own ways, but yeah—there are definitely things that each can take from each other.”
As both series continue to evolve, it remains to be seen whether F1 will embrace more fan accessibility or if IndyCar will establish a more standardized race weekend format.
One thing is clear: motorsports fans are the real winners when both series push each other to improve.
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