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“Formula 1’s a Joke”: Against F1 GOAT Michael Schumacher’s Harsh Past Comments, Veteran Champ Hails IndyCar as “Top Level” of Open Wheel Racing

Published 06/05/2023, 8:00 AM EDT

Do you recall how Oscar Piastri asked Fernando Alonso during the Monaco GP press conference if it hurts when you crash in the Indy500 to which the Spaniard replied yes? Now, a Veteran IndyCar champion has come forward suggesting that IndyCar is the top level of open-wheel racing. Looks like this veteran has forgotten about what legend Michael Schumacher said about IndyCar as he goes against the 7X Champions comments. Who is this Veteran and what did he say?

Michael Schumacher is arguably the best F1 driver of all time, with Lewis Hamilton right alongside him. The German, back in his Ferrari days, got interviewed for CBS as he was featured in their iconic TV show “60 Minutes”. During the interview, Schumacher was asked if he was challenged by the Indy500. The 7x world champion replied no, stating that it’s a step down from F1. He added that he has nothing to prove there and that he does not see a challenge in it. Schumacher continued and stated that the drivers who cannot survive in F1 go to IndyCar whereas those who come from IndyCar hardly survive in F1.

Will Power says IndyCar field toughest in world: 'F1's a joke as far as competition' https://t.co/bLAZV71xws via @IndyCaronNBC
— Matt Archuleta (@indy44) June 4, 2023

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The 42-year-old IndyCar Veteran, however, suggests otherwise. While the risk factor in IndyCar, especially the Indy500 is surely higher and the racing is competitive, it does not make the American series the pinnacle of motorsport. Will Power, last year’s IndyCar series winner, suggests that IndyCar is the Top Level of open wheel Motorsport. Power calls IndyCar the toughest field in the world and calls F1 a joke in terms of competition.

According to Motorsports.nbcsports.com, Will Power said, “It’s so tough, an amazing field, the toughest field in the world, and people need to know it, especially compared to Formula One. Formula One’s a joke as far as competition, but not as far as drivers. They have amazing drivers. And I feel sorry for them that they don’t get to experience the satisfaction we do with our racing because that is the top level of open-wheel motorsport.”

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There’s a reason why F1 is called the pinnacle of motorsport. F1 is not only about racing but about new breakthroughs in technology, seeing who can develop the cars most under specific regulations. There is so much more to F1 than just racing. Yet racing remains the core of F1. Many F1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, have suggested that they are not interested in racing in the Indy500.

Max Verstappen is not interested in racing at the Indy500

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Max Verstappen was asked around the Monaco GP when the Indy500 happens if he’s interested in racing in the IndyCar. Max Verstappen denied suggesting he’s not interested in IndyCar racing as he doesn’t wanna risk getting injured. The same weekend, even Oscar Piastri suggested that he doesn’t fancy racing in Indy as the high-speed crash would hurt a lot.

According to Indystar.com, Max Verstappen said, “At least, not the IndyCar race. I do appreciate what they do. It’s insane, those drivers … I have a lot of respect for what they do, but for me now that I’ve been in F1 for so long, I don’t need to risk my life or get an injury to my legs or anything. It’s not worth it anymore. Maybe Le Mans. I like endurance races, so I’ll probably do a few, hopefully soon.”

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Watch this story: How Fast Can F1 Cars Go? Comparisons With MotoGP, IndyCAR, NASCAR and Formula E

What do you think about Will Power’s comments?

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Written by:

Pranay Bhagi is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports, who has always been passionate about sports and writing. With a degree from a prestigious institute, he has channeled his enthusiasm into sports journalism, particularly F1, a sport that has captivated him for over a decade. Pranay's deep-rooted love for the sport began during the Sebastian Vettel era, and he has been following it religiously ever since.

Edited by:

Varunkumaar Chelladurai

“Formula 1’s a Joke”: Against F1 GOAT Michael Schumacher’s Harsh Past Comments, Veteran Champ Hails IndyCar as “Top Level” of Open Wheel Racing

Max Verstappen is not interested in racing at the Indy500

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