The age-old motorsport debate, Formula 1 vs NASCAR, got a fresh spark after a playful WIRED interview featuring several F1 stars, including Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, and Esteban Ocon. This time, though, instead of stoking rivalries, the drivers gave the perfect reality check. When asked by a fan, “Why is F1 better than NASCAR?” Williams driver Alex Albon immediately shut down any hint of superiority.
Carlos Sainz Settles NASCAR vs F1 Debate With Surprising Take originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The age-old motorsport debate, Formula 1 vs NASCAR, got a fresh spark after a playful WIRED interview featuring several F1 stars, including Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, and Esteban Ocon.
This time, though, instead of stoking rivalries, the drivers gave the perfect reality check.
When asked by a fan, “Why is F1 better than NASCAR?” Williams driver Alex Albon immediately shut down any hint of superiority. “We didn’t say that. That’s what you put in our mouths,” he laughed, while Ocon and Lawson jumped in to declare their love for NASCAR.
But it was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who added the most intriguing perspective. He admitted F1 only edges it for him because of the raw speed. “My only reason why I would say F1 is better than NASCAR is because it’s way faster. And the faster for me, the better. But I respect NASCAR drivers and what they do, and I think it is a great motorsport to watch also.”
Lawson chimed in with a clever point about driving styles, noting he’d love to see NASCAR-style curbing on an F1 circuit like Canada’s final chicane—emphasizing that the two series are just different, not better or worse.
Their candid answers highlighted a truth often lost in fan debates. NASCAR dominated in the U.S. with its stock cars, tight ovals, and door-to-door battles, while F1 thrived globally with lightning-fast, aerodynamic machines and complex technical tracks. Both series have drama, fierce competition, and incredible skill.
"best padel player on the grid? i rate myself amongst the best. i do believe that carlos sainz is probably the best. me second best and the rest behind"
— clara (@leclercsletters) July 2, 2025
his face saying the rest is behind 😭😭 he's so annoying pic.twitter.com/brmI5xmZAR
As Sains and his peers made clear, respect runs deep between drivers on either side of the pond—even if fans can’t help but argue over which is king.
Related: Lewis Hamilton Apologizes to Fans After Brutal British GP
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
