Which car is Faster? Formula 1 vs Formula E vs IndyCar

Motorsports have a huge fan following worldwide, with millions of passionate fans who tune in to watch their favorite drivers and teams compete in high-octane races. The thrill of witnessing cars race at blistering speeds, the adrenaline rush of overtaking maneuvers, and the strategic tactics that teams employ to outmaneuver their opponents on the track are some of the many reasons that make top speed motorsports so popular. Fans of motorsports typically possess a deep understanding and expertise of its technical aspects and history, and they follow the racing calendar closely to keep up with the latest developments whether it is Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, or any other racing series.

In the realm of high-speed racing, several popular racing series have captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. Formula 1, IndyCar, and Formula E are among the most distinguished types of racecars, which yield the most prominent and globally followed championships. These racing series involve high-performance cars, skilled drivers, and intense competition, making them a thrilling spectacle for racing enthusiasts. One common question that often arises among fans is, which car is faster - Formula 1, IndyCar, or Formula E? While all these racing categories involve fast and powerful cars, each has its unique characteristics and performance parameters that affect their speed and overall performance on the track.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these racing categories and compare their racing cars’ speed to help you understand which one is the fastest.

Formula 1

Top F1 speed: 360 km/h or 223 mph

Fastest ever speed: 397.36km/h or 246.9mph

Acceleration: 0-100mph in approximately 2.6s

Formula 1 racing is a complex and exciting sport that involves various fundamentals that makes it unique. One of the most notable aspects of Formula 1 is that it consists of ten teams, each with two drivers and vehicles that compete in a maximum of 26 races throughout the season. The races take place on different circuits worldwide and comprise 78 laps of intense, high-speed action. At the end of the season, the driver with the most points is crowned the champion, making for an exciting and suspenseful conclusion to the racing season. These are just a few of the main fundamentals that define Formula 1 racing and make it one of the most exciting motorsports in the world.

​Read this also: Formula 1 race rules and regulations for Drivers

Formula One (F1) cars are designed for high performance, with a focus on lightweight and aerodynamic materials. The chassis is made from carbon fiber, and the vehicle must weigh at least 702 kg, including the driver and tires but excluding fuel. The dimensions must be a maximum of 180 cm (w) × 95 cm (h), with no specific limit on length. F1 cars use a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine, and a semi-automatic sequential carbon titanium gearbox with 8 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The steering wheel is equipped with various functions, including gear changes, brake pressure adjustments, radio communication, and fuel management.

Let us now see how fast is a Formula 1 car?

The top racing car speed for this particular race car is an impressive 360 km/h or 223 mph. Even more impressive is the fastest ever recorded speed of 397.36km/h or 246.9mph. In terms of acceleration, the car is able to go from 0 to 100mph in approximately 2.6 seconds, showcasing its incredible power and speed capabilities.

Formula 1 racing is a favored motorsport due to its high-speed racing on challenging circuits, with turbocharged engines producing an exciting rumble (the “sound of speed”!). The exceptional skill set required of drivers to handle these fast and aerodynamic machines adds to the excitement of the sport. Moreover, Formula 1 drivers are known worldwide and have achieved celebrity status, contributing to the sport's popularity. The races take place on circuits worldwide, appealing to fans from different countries and cultures. Another aspect that draws people to Formula 1 racing is sports betting, which adds an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to the races. These are some of the reasons why Formula 1 racing is beloved and thrilling for so many fans across the World.

Formula E

Formula E Top speed: 280 km/h / 174 mph

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 2.8s

Although Formula E is a popular motorsport, it is not the fastest. Compared to other types of racecars like IndyCar and Formula 1, Formula E falls short in terms of speed.

Formula E is a relatively new racing series that uses all-electric cars, and it has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its focus on sustainability and innovation. While some people may question the speed and excitement of electric cars compared to traditional combustion engines, Formula E has proven to be a thrilling and competitive racing series. The unique features of electric powertrains, such as instant torque and acceleration, make Formula E cars nearly as fast off the starting line as Formula 1 cars.

Eleven teams, each with two drivers, participate in the Formula E championship. The sport employs electric-powered race cars, similar in style to the hybrid-drive cars of Formula One. The races typically take place on temporary street circuits located in city centers, which are between 1.9 to 3.4 km (1.2 to 2.1 mi) in length.

On a Formula E race day, there are two practice sessions and a qualifying session. Drivers use the full qualifying power output during the practice sessions. In the qualifying session, drivers are split into two groups, with each group having a 10-minute session to set the fastest lap. The top 4 of each group advance to the "duels" stage, where drivers face off head-to-head at 350kW. The winner of the final lines up in position 1, and the other drivers are placed in order of time set.

While the top speed of Formula E cars is not as high as that of Formula 1 cars, Formula E continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with electric racing technology and is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Now let us explore how fast does Formula E cars go

The electric powertrains of Spark Gen3 Formula E race cars consist of a 350kW drive motor located at the rear axle and a standard 250kW motor situated at the front, providing a total power output of 600kW and enabling them to have an instant torque and acceleration, which allows them to be almost as fast off the starting line as F1 cars. With this feature, Formula E vehicles can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds, while F1 cars take approximately 2.6 seconds, making them faster than Formula E cars in this regard. The Formula E top speed is 174 mph (280km/h) approximately, while F1 cars can exceed 186 mph (300 km/h).

IndyCar

IndyCar Top speed: 380 km/h or 236 mph

Acceleration: 0-100km/h in approximately 3s

The IndyCar race, Indy 500 is a one-day sporting event that features fast cars on one of the most iconic circuits in the world. Interestingly, Grand Prix drivers also competed in the Indy 500 due to issues with their respective motorsports. The uniqueness of this sport lies in the two days of qualifying and 500 miles of racing.

Prior to the race, there are two days of qualifying for drivers to secure their position on the starting grid. On race day, 33 drivers and their vehicles line up at the starting blocks to begin the grueling 200-lap race around the 2.5-mile course with its 4 sharp corners. The winner of the race is awarded on the same day, increasing the excitement and thrill of the event.

Indy vehicles are powered by twin-turbo 2.2-liter V6 engines with a horsepower between 550 to 700 depending on turbo boost. They are equipped with an assisted six-speed paddle-shift gearbox with reverse, and have a wheelbase between 117.5-121.5 inches. The weight of the vehicle ranges from approximately 1,655 to 1,700 pounds depending on the configuration, without fuel and driver weight. The height of the vehicle is around 40 inches and the width ranges from 75.75 to 76.5 inches.

Now let us examine how fast the IndyCars are.

This racing vehicle boasts a racing car speed of 380 km/h or 236 mph, making it one of the fastest cars in the world. In addition to its impressive speed, it also has a rapid acceleration, reaching 0-100km/h in approximately 3 seconds.

Undeniably, IndyCars are the fastest among the three types of motorsports, requiring skilled and respected drivers to operate them at high speeds. The Indy 500 is also renowned for its history and traditions, such as the tradition of drinking milk in victory lane that dates back to 1956.

Conclusion

While the term "racing" may suggest a similar type of sport, Formula E, F1, and IndyCar races are vastly different in terms of racing car speed, acceleration, and overall format. Each racing series has its own unique features, attracting fans with different preferences. Some people may prefer the excitement and unpredictability of F1, while others may gravitate towards Formula E's innovative and eco-conscious approach. IndyCar provides a happy medium between the two. Determining the fastest racing vehicle can be a challenging task. While IndyCar vehicles boast a higher top speed, the lighter construction and superior acceleration of F1 cars make them more likely to dominate on the track when compared to IndyCar vehicles.

In the end, the choice of which racing series to follow comes down to personal preference, and each type of racecar has its own unique selling points for fans to enjoy.