2022 IndyCar Series champion Will Power believes that several talented drivers in Formula 1 are being robbed of the race-winning satisfaction drivers experience in IndyCar.
Red Bull has dominated the start of the 2023 F1 campaign, winning all seven races staged so far.
However, unlike F1, IndyCar is a spec-series, with Dallara providing each team with the chassis while F1 constructors manufacturer and development their own cars.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Power was promoting IndyCar’s close competition in comparison to Formula 1, stating: “It’s so tough, an amazing field, the toughest field in the world, and people need to know it, especially compared to Formula 1.”
IndyCar’s competition sees a lot more variety at the head of the pecking order compared to F1 – despite being the 2022 series champion, Power has yet to win a race this season, having recently achieved a season-best second place in last weekend’s Detroit GP.
The series so far has seen five different winners in 2023, compared to the two in Formula 1. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have shared all the spoils as rival teams have struggled to match the reigning champion’s level of performance.
“Formula 1 is a joke as far as competition, but not as far as the drivers,” Power added. “They have amazing drivers. And I feel sorry for them that they don’t get to experience the satisfaction we do with our racing because that is the top level of open-wheel motorsport.
Power suggested that F1 should mirror IndyCar’s technical regulations as it would be beneficial to the racing spectacle.
“I think Formula 1 would be so much better if they had a formula like IndyCar. I love the technology and the manufacturer side of it. I think that’s awesome, but from a spectator watching, man, how cool would it be if everyone had a Red Bull?” he said.
“You simply know Max is going to win every race if something doesn’t go wrong.”
Whilst Power is adamant an IndyCar style approach in Formula 1 would both improve the spectacle and spread wins across the field, he is resigned to the fact that such an approach is unlikely to be adopted.
“Imagine being a guy coming out as a rookie, and you probably could win a race. It would be really cool to see. But you know that would never happen with the politics over there.”
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