Formula 1 and NASCAR are the most famous motorsports globally.

Formula 1 and NASCAR are the most famous motorsports globally. Their fan base has been being grown. Both sports are renowned for their competitive nature, but fans always wonder which motorsport is better. There are many similarities between motorsports, like different teams competing against each other and drivers trying their best. However, there are many differences between F1 and NASCAR. From the outside, it can look like all racing is the same. Technically, at the most basic level, they are all about cars going fast in a loop but beneath the surface, F1 or NASCAR shows a rich world of differences that make each of the motorsports interesting, exciting, and entertaining. Compared to F1, NASCAR differs from F1 in the appearance of cars, employs wildly different strategies to win races and in terms of regulations. Just looking at the actual cars, the differences between NASCAR and F1 are obvious. The “Car of Tomorrow” sedan chassis used by NASCAR is highly related to the automobiles which automakers sell to the public. The driver is enclosed, and the wheels are beneath the chassis itself. Aside from all the branding, it would not be surprising to see one of those cars on highways. Otherwise seeing anything like a F1 car on any regular road, with its open wheels and cockpit, will not be possible. NASCAR vehicles are a modified version of a “stock” chassis from either Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota. They have been in the American car market since before NASCAR’s inception. In Formula 1, however, teams have to build their vehicle. F1 cars have optimized aerodynamics, for instance, sharp noses meant to slice through the air to reduce resistance. Undoubtedly, they will not fit a family of four. Formula 1 is usually pretty straightforward -the fastest car typically wins. Thus, teams are willing to pour so much money into research, development, and engineering, and it’s why Formula 1 cars are all so aerodynamically optimized. Formula 1 is known for being a highly scientific, technical sport because of this reason. Though, here are a few plays a F1 team can use to even their odds. One is undercutting, in which a well-timed pit stop lets a driver change from a slower tire to a higher-performance one. By doing that, teams can overtake and pull ahead of opponents still running on worn tires. On the contrary in NASCAR, even the last car on the grid can come in the first place. Since each chassis is not as aerodynamic, with the usage of physics and strategy, teams can come on top. The difference between Formula 1 and NASCAR is also clear in the rules, although not all of them are immediately visible to the newest fans. NASCAR bans telemetry, and once the car is on the track teams can not make any optimizations anymore. In Formula 1, however, laptops and measuring devices are permitted, and drivers can tune their vehicles while racing. Regarding illegalities, Formula 1 cars cannot touch each other while racing. In NASCAR, grinding up against competitors is not only allowed but also an expected part of most teams’ strategies. To conclude, F1 and NASCAR have different appearances, differ in strategies to win and regulations. While both of these are lumped together, rightly so, as motorsports it is important to realize that these small but significant differences make Formula 1 and NASCAR truly unique and fascinating to watch.