Top Gear’s Take on NASCAR vs. F1

It seems that there are pretty solid stances on which is best: Formula One versus NASCAR. Fans typically pick their choices and stick with them. Its either “Formula One (F1) is boring,” or it is on the opposite spectrum of “NASCAR doesn’t require talent.” No matter the stance, conversation on the topic rarely goes further than that.

However, there are conversations had on the differences between the two and which is better that help take a deeper look into Formula One and Nascar. This article will focus on Top Gear’s take of the two.

First, it is important to recognize that both of the sports emerged around the same time. Emerging in the 1950s, it was ultimately the environments, the styles of tracks, and the differences in groups that shaped these sports into what they are today. Or in Top Gear’s words, “ It’s cheap versus elite. Hot dogs vs. hors d’oeuvres.”

In NASCAR, drivers push and force their way through the mass of cars; even though starting in the back have a chance to finish first. In Formula One, that is not the case.

In Formula One, drivers are allowed laptops and can fine-tune their cars on the go. Whereas telemetry is banned for NASCAR drivers, and once on the road, the only adjustment that can be made is the altitude.

NASCAR cars leave behind clean pockets which allow the rear driver to gain a few miles per hour while the front driver also gets an extra push. Meanwhile, the rear driver also has a car on their tale gaining and pushing those extra miles. On the other hand, Formula One drivers fight with the atmosphere leaving behind bad turbulence, a problem for any drivers who get to close.

Formula One fans are just as intense as their counterparts; however, NASCAR is backed by three major car chains: Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. Fans of this sport can purchase cars similar to their favorite racer. In fact, there is an old saying to back it, “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.”

Formula One requires more effort and brainpower that ultimately subtracts from the display of it all, while NASCAR puts on a good show with a little less work. When everything is all said and done, whether Formula One or NASCAR is the better sport all comes down to a matter of preference.