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Formula 1 and IndyCar show different speed scenarios at Circuit of the Americas

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 3:00 AM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Formula 1 and IndyCar show different speed scenarios at Circuit of the Americas

Summary

Formula 1 outpaced IndyCar significantly at the Circuit of the Americas during their 2019 races. Valtteri Bottas set a pole lap at 1 minute 32.029 seconds, whereas Will Power's pole for IndyCar came in at 1 minute 46.0177 seconds. The distinctions in performance are largely attributed to Formula 1's enhanced downforce and horsepower. While IndyCar holds a record for higher sustained speeds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, F1 remains faster on road and street courses overall. Each series showcases unique strengths depending on the circuit type.

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By the Numbers

•At Circuit of the Americas, F1's pole time was 14 seconds faster than IndyCar's.
•IndyCar's 2026 Indianapolis 500 pole averaged 232.248mph, over four laps.
•F1's fastest speed trap in 2026 is 196mph at the Australian Grand Prix.
•Bottas won the 2019 United States Grand Prix, clinching Hamilton's sixth title.
•Comparisons vary by circuit type, affecting perceived speed differences.

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3:00 AMYahoo Sports — Formula 1 vs IndyCar – Which Is Faster?

What they're saying

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Formula 1 is faster than IndyCar on almost every kind of circuit that exists. On every road course and street circuit, F1 laps seconds quicker,…
— Yahoo Sports

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