Formula 1 vs. NASCAR: Which Is Faster?

Formula 1 is faster than NASCAR in almost every performance measure that defines outright speed—lap time, acceleration, braking, and cornering—while NASCAR approaches similar straight-line velocities only on its largest ovals. In practical terms, an F1 car will cover a lap of a road course far quicker than a NASCAR Cup car, reflecting fundamental differences in technology, weight, power, and aerodynamics.

How “faster” is defined in motorsport

Speed in racing isn’t just about top speed. It includes how quickly a car accelerates, how hard it can brake, how fast it corners, and how efficiently it completes a lap. Formula 1 and NASCAR are engineered for different environments: F1 for road and street circuits with extreme braking and high-downforce cornering; NASCAR primarily for ovals with pack racing and durability, with a growing slate of road courses.

Head-to-head on the same track: lap-time evidence

When both series run on the same road course, the comparison is clear. At Circuit of the Americas (Austin, Texas), the best single-lap pace shows a large gap:

The following list highlights representative qualifying benchmarks from recent seasons to illustrate the lap-time difference at COTA.

• Formula 1 (United States Grand Prix, 2023): pole 1:34.723
• NASCAR Cup Series (COTA, 2024): pole 2:10.76

That’s roughly a 36-second gap on a single lap, meaning the F1 car is about 27–30% quicker over a full circuit. Comparable gaps appear at other modern road courses when cross-series comparisons are possible.

Top speed: closer, but context matters

On raw straight-line pace, the picture narrows, but F1 still holds the edge in peak numbers while NASCAR nears parity on its biggest, fastest ovals.

The following list summarizes typical and peak top-speed ranges seen in recent seasons.

• Formula 1: regularly 330–350 km/h (205–217 mph) with DRS on long straights; all-time trap records around 372 km/h (231 mph).
• NASCAR Cup (Next Gen): race-pack speeds near 300–320 km/h (186–199 mph) at Daytona/Talladega with horsepower limits; historical peaks above 340 km/h (210+ mph) before stricter rules.

NASCAR’s fastest moments occur in aerodynamic drafts on superspeedways, but regulations cap top speed for safety. F1 reaches very high velocities on road and street circuits while also cornering far faster.

Why F1 is quicker overall

Design philosophy explains most of the performance gap. F1 cars are lighter, more powerful per kilogram, and generate vastly more downforce and mechanical grip than NASCAR Cup cars.

The following list outlines the key technical differences that drive performance.

• Weight: F1 minimum is about 798 kg including driver (without fuel); NASCAR Cup Next Gen is roughly 1,450 kg-plus (around 3,200 lb) in race trim.
• Power: F1 hybrid power units produce roughly 1,000 hp in qualifying trim; NASCAR Cup engines typically run ~670 hp at most tracks and ~510 hp at Daytona/Talladega.
• Aerodynamics: F1 uses advanced ground-effect floors, front/rear wings, and DRS for high downforce and reduced drag on straights; NASCAR aero is optimized for stability and pack racing, with much lower downforce levels on road courses.
• Acceleration and braking: F1 typically does 0–100 km/h in about 2.6–3.0 seconds and can decelerate at over 5g; NASCAR is generally slower to 100 km/h and requires longer braking distances due to weight and tire design.
• Cornering: F1 can sustain 4–5g in high-speed turns; NASCAR cornering forces are lower, especially on road courses, though sustained lateral loads on ovals are significant.

Taken together, these factors make F1 decisively faster around any lap that demands heavy braking and quick direction changes—precisely what most road and street circuits require.

Important caveats and context

“Faster” depends on the arena and the rules. NASCAR excels in areas of strategy, traffic management, and durability, with formats that emphasize close racing and drafting.

The following list offers context to keep the comparison fair.

• Track type: NASCAR’s signature venues are high-speed ovals; F1 does not race on superspeedways, so there’s no apples-to-apples oval comparison.
• Regulations: NASCAR restricts horsepower at specific tracks to contain speeds for safety; F1 also balances performance via aero and power-unit rules.
• Race craft: NASCAR’s pack dynamics, contact tolerance, and restart intensity reward different skill sets than F1’s precision cornering and tire management on road circuits.
• Pit stops and operations: F1 pit stops are often 2–3 seconds; NASCAR’s are longer but involve fueling and different service procedures, reflecting distinct race formats.

These differences underscore that each series optimizes for its own competitive DNA. The performance gap in lap time is not a shortcoming but a product of divergent goals.

Bottom line

Formula 1 is the faster formula of the two by a wide margin on road and street circuits, where most objective comparisons can be made. NASCAR can approach similar straight-line speeds on its largest ovals but, by design and rule, gives up substantial time in braking and cornering. Each series is built for a different kind of racing spectacle—and both deliver it at the limit.

Summary

F1 is faster overall: it laps road courses roughly 25–35% quicker than NASCAR and reaches higher peak speeds in many scenarios, thanks to lighter weight, greater downforce, and higher power-to-weight ratios. NASCAR nears F1’s straight-line pace only on superspeedways but remains significantly slower through corners and over a full lap.

What car is faster than a NASCAR?

IndyCar speed
With an average weight that’s less than 1,400 lbs. – less than half of NASCAR’s stock cars – it’s no wonder that they are quicker. To date, the fastest recorded speed in an IndyCar competition stands at 236 mph.

What’s faster, Formula 1 or NASCAR?

Key Differences

Feature	Formula 1	NASCAR (Next Gen Cup)
Power Output	~1000 hp (1.6L Turbo Hybrid)	~670–750 hp (5.8L V8 Naturally Aspirated)
Top Speed	~360 km/h (223 mph)	~320 km/h (199 mph, on superspeedways)
Lap Time (COTA)	~1:36	~2:10–2:20
Vehicle Weight	~798 kg (including driver)	~1,450 kg (no driver)

Which car race is the fastest?

The fastest road race in the world is the Silver State Classic Challenge held on Nevada’s Route 318, in which the fastest cars can surpass speeds of 394 km/h (245 mph) over the 145-km (90-mile) course.

Is Formula 1 the fastest race car?

No, F1 cars are not always the fastest race cars; the title of fastest depends on the specific track and the comparison category, but F1 cars are among the fastest and are unparalleled in their ability to accelerate, brake, and corner on road and street circuits due to their advanced aerodynamics and lightweight design. However, other cars, such as IndyCars, can achieve higher top speeds on oval tracks, while endurance cars like those in the 24 Hours of Le Mans are designed for longevity and can be faster on longer circuits that don’t demand the same level of cornering ability.
 
This video compares the speed of Formula 1 cars to other race cars, including NASCAR and hypercars: 55sDriver61YouTube · Jun 17, 2021
Factors influencing speed:

• Track Type: F1 cars are optimized for road and street circuits, where their downforce allows for incredibly high cornering speeds. On oval tracks, where sustained high speed is crucial, other cars like IndyCars can be faster due to their design and less restrictive aerodynamics. 
• Aerodynamics: F1 cars are engineered to generate massive downforce for cornering, which creates drag that limits their top speed in straight lines. 
• Acceleration vs. Top Speed: F1 cars have exceptional acceleration and can reach their top speed very quickly. IndyCars may have similar or higher top speeds but might take longer to get there. 
• Engine and Chassis: F1 cars feature powerful hybrid engines and lightweight chassis, but the design is a balance between straight-line speed and cornering performance. 
• Regulations: The specific rules for each racing series dictate the design of the cars, influencing their speed and overall performance. 

Examples of other fast race cars:

• IndyCars: Opens in new tabCan achieve very high top speeds on oval tracks, sometimes exceeding F1 speeds in those specific conditions. 
• Le Mans Cars (WEC cars): Opens in new tabBuilt for endurance, these cars can be faster on circuits like the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans track, which combines long straights with demanding cornering. 
• NASCAR Cars: Opens in new tabWhile still very fast, they are heavier and less aerodynamic than F1 cars, leading to lower top speeds, particularly on non-super-speedway tracks. 

In summary, while F1 cars are exceptionally fast and advanced machines, particularly on circuits requiring a balance of cornering, braking, and acceleration, they are not the fastest in every scenario. Other forms of motorsport feature cars specifically designed for different types of tracks and racing styles, leading to variations in overall speed.