Difference between F1 and IndyCar

The world of motorsports has many different and racing types. Open-wheel racing is different from conventional racing due to the design of its cars. The vehicles are designed completely different from the road cars or conventional track weapons. The open-wheeled vehicles often feature an open top and laid back driving style with the cockpit of the vehicle built around the driver. This vehicle is made to maximise aerodynamic performance and reduce the weight and over bearing characteristics of the general cars. An open-wheel racing car is generally faster in the corners and made to be fast throughout the lap instead of focusing purely on raw power, engine output and top speed, as per IndyCar's official website.

Formula 1 and IndyCar are the biggest names in the world of open-wheel racing and even in motorsports itself. The two series are made to provide entertainment to the viewers as the best of the drivers battle it out on the track. Formula 1 is dubbed the pinnacle of motorsports and the IndyCar series is considered the biggest open-wheel racing series originating from America. The two series often compete head on with each other in terms of speed and racing prowess. Thus, it is no surprise that the two out of the three Triple Crown races originate from these two series. The Indianapolis 500 of IndyCar and the Monaco Grand Prix of Formula 1 are considered among the most revered racing events throughout the world of motorsports. Even though these two series are similar there are many differences which arise between the two series usually. This includes the type of cars, engines, the drivers and even the very theme of racing itself.

History of Formula 1 and IndyCar

Formula 1 is younger compared to IndyCar. Formula 1 was officially started in the 1950s as the Formula 1 World Championship as sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. On the other hand, IndyCar has been entertaining viewers with its races for nearly a century. The concept of IndyCar racing and the championship has been going on since the 1920s. The first Indianapolis 500 race, which is the staple race of the IndyCar championship, was hosted in 1911. Unlike the Formula 1 world championship, IndyCar has existed under different monikers and federations. The current IndyCar Series a by-product of the merger between the CART and Indy Series in 2008.

Technical differences

There are many technical differences between the two sports. The biggest difference is attributed to the fact that Formula cars feature a smaller and more sleek chassis. It is built to be an aerodynamically aggressive chassis which effectively compliments cornering stability. On the other hand, IndyCar favors a slightly simpler chassis which is larger than Formula cars. IndyCars are designed as per the track and made to achieve the best speed possible to take advantage of their oval tracks.

Technical Specifications of a Formula 1 engine

• Manufacturers: Mercedes-Benz, Renault (including TAG Heuer rebadging until 2018), Ferrari and Red Bull Powertrains (Honda)

• Type: Hybrid-powered 4-stroke piston. '4-stroke' may imply Otto-cycle, but it is not required. Atkinson/Miller cycle allowed.

• Configuration: V6 single hybrid turbocharger engine

• V-angle: 90° cylinder angle

• Displacement: 1.6 litres (98 cubic inches)

• Bore: 80 mm (3.150 in)

• Stroke: 53 mm (2.087 in)

• Compression ratio: Max 18:1

• Valvetrain: DOHC, 24-valve (four valves per cylinder)

• Fuel: Minimum 87 (RON+MON)/2 unleaded petroleum + at least 10% "advanced sustainable" Ethanol

• Fuel delivery: Petrol direct injection

• Maximum fuel injection pressure: 500 bar (50.0 MPa)

• Number of fuel injectors: Max 1 per cylinder.

• Fuel flow rate limit: (0.009 x rpm) + 5.5 up to 100 kg/h

• Fuel use limit: 110 kg / race

• Aspiration: Single-Turbocharger with in-line electric motor/generator (MGU-H)

• Power output: About 850 + 161 hp (634 + 120 kW) @ 10,500 rpm and higher

• Torque: Approx. 600–815 N⋅m (443–601 lb⋅ft)

• Lubrication: Dry sump

• Maximum revs: Unlimited (in practice, no engine goes much above 12,000 rpm as efficiency declines)

• Engine management: FIA Standard ECU

• Max. speed: Approximately 370 km/h (230 mph) (Monza, Baku and Mexico); 340 km/h (211 mph) normal tracks

• Mass: Minimum 150 kg (330.69 lb) complete

• Cooling: Single water pump

• Ignition: No more than 5 sparks during Compression and Expansion (Power) cycles

• Exhaust systems: Single exhaust with central exit and extra double small exhaust Forced induction

• Turbocharger mass: 8 kg (17.6 lb) depending on the turbine housing used

• Turbocharger rev limit: 125,000 rpm

• Pressure charging: Single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine, common-shaft with MGU-H

• Turbo boost pressure: Unlimited but typically 400–500 kPa (4.0–5.0 bar) absolute

• Wastegate: Maximum of two pop-off and two wastegate valves, electronic- or pneumatic-controlled

ERS systems

• MGU-K RPM: Max 50,000 rpm, fixed driven/drive ratio by/to the crankshaft

• MGU-K power: Max 120 kW (160 bhp)

• Energy recovered by MGU-K: Max 2 MJ (0.56 kWh) / lap

• Energy received by MGU-K: Max 4 MJ (1.1 kWh) / lap from Energy Store, unlimited from MGU-H

• MGU-H RPM: Same as the turbocharger speed. Max 125,000 rpm

• Energy recovered by MGU-H: Unlimited

• Energy released by MGU-H to drive the turbocharger or MGU-K: Unlimited

Technical Specifications of an IndyCar engine

• Manufacturers: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Chevrolet

• Models: Honda HI24E hybrid Indy-V-6, Chevy INDYCAR V6

• Type: 2.2-liter (134.25 cubic inches) V-6, twin-turbocharged (maximum bore diameter 95 millimeters) with hybrid technology

• Weight: Minimum weight is 248 pounds (112.5 kilograms)

• Turbocharging: Twin BorgWarner EFR 7163 turbochargers

• RPM: 12,000 maximum (INDYCAR-supplied rev limiter)

• Maximum Boost Pressure: (above atmosphere);1,300 mbar (Superspeedways); 1500 mbar (short ovals, Road/Street Courses and Indianapolis 500 qualifying); 1650 mbar (Push-To-Pass)

• Power: Estimated 650-700 horsepower, depending on turbo boost pressure used at track, with up to an additional 150 horsepower available via the hybrid unit

• Fuel: Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel (ethanol)

• Injectors: Maximum two injectors per cylinder, one for direct injection, 300 bar maximum fuel system pressure

• Hybrid Power Unit: Unique to INDYCAR and developed collaboratively with Chevrolet (Ilmor) and Honda (HRC).

• ECU (Engine Control Unit): McLaren Applied Technologies TAG 400i

• Throttle: Drive-by-wire controlled port throttles

What is “stagger” in IndyCar?

Stagger is a feature exclusive to IndyCar and is the speciality of oval racing in IndyCar. As per IndyCar's official website, stagger is defined as- “Right rear tire is larger in diameter than left rear tire, causing the race car to naturally want to turn left, to improve turning ability on ovals.”

What is “DRS” in Formula 1?

DRS is a technology where the rear wing employs a movable flap. When DRS is enabled, the open flap provides greater aero efficiency which leads to less drag for the F1 car. This allows the car to surpass its top speed and overtake the driver in front. It can only be employed if there is a driver in front of the car and in certain sections of the race track.

Tracks

Any motorsports series is incomplete without tracks to race on. The key difference in the tracks and circuits employed by the two sports is that the IndyCar series only hosts races in North America whereas, Formula hosts races all over the world.

Formula 1's track stats

• Number of circuits: 75 worldwide, 40 with FIA grade to host F1

• Types of circuits: street circuits, road circuits, race circuits, hybrid circuits

• Countries : 34, including: Spain, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, USA,

• Average Length of tracks: 190-192 miles

IndyCar's track stats

• Number of tracks: 45 tracks

• Types of tracks: 24 ovals, 10 road courses, 10 street, 1 combined road

• Countries: USA & CA

• Average Length of tracks: 350 miles

What is the “halo” in Formula 1?

The Halo is a cage-like structure built around the top portion of the cockpit. It is made to cover the head of the driver and protect it from impacts in case of crash or oncoming debris. The Halo is Formula 1 is the primary safety feature for driver safety in case of a crash. However, it does not cover a huge area and is designed to maximise the aerodynamics.

What is the “aero-screen” in IndyCar?

The risks of open-wheel racing are evident when it comes to crashes. IndyCar employs a small windshield like structure in front of the driver cockpit. This screen exists to protect the driver’s head during crashes or impact from oncoming debris. The aero-screen however can not guarantee the amount of aero-efficiency a halo has.

Summarising, it is quite evident that the Formula 1 and IndyCar championships are similar yet so different. They can be called two sides of the same coin and considered the pinnacle of open-wheel racing and motorsports.

There are many drivers who have raced in both series and achieved great results. The most common names which are popular in both Formula 1 and IndyCar series are- Graham Hill (the sole winner of the Triple Crown of Motorsports), Mario Andretti (who is a champion in both series), Fernando Alonso (who is a 2-time F1 champion and almost won the Indy 500 race gaining a Triple Crown), Jim Clark (to-date the only F1 title and Indy 500 winner in the same year), Juan Pablo Montoya (Formula 1 veteran), Romain Grosjean (multiple podiums in both Formula 1 and IndyCar).