Will Buxton had been a well-liked Components 1 presenter for over a decade, typically identified for his frank and direct opinions about drivers, groups, and automobiles. Nonetheless, his sudden change to IndyCar in 2025 raised many questions on the timing of his choice. Now, Buxton has opened up concerning the cause behind the profession change.
A preferred face on Netflix’s Drive to Survive docuseries, Buxton’s exit from F1 was a shock to many, however what awaited him on the different finish was one thing he actually needed to do. The 45-year-old presenter grabbed the chance at Fox Sports activities to cowl the IndyCar collection beginning final 12 months.
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This was additionally Fox’s first 12 months broadcasting the open-wheel racing collection after buying the IndyCar broadcasting rights from NBC. Buxton appeared in an interview with Lucas Stewart, opening up on the change at a time when F1 has been witnessing phenomenal progress in fan following within the U.S. He stated:
“After 25 years in Components 1, proper on the peak of its reputation, a film within the works (F1), F1’s by no means been extra widespread. What’s the most effective factor you are able to do? Give up! For most individuals, it appeared just like the stupidest concept.”
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He added:
“However I’ve at all times cherished IndyCar. Once I was approached by Fox, and after they offered their view of what IndyCar may change into and what they needed to do with the championship, it rang so true to what I joined with Components One ten years in the past.
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“To have the ability to carry that have, and that know-how, and that information, and to switch that to a championship that: A, I’ve at all times cherished. B, I feel is like tremendous thrilling, however doesn’t get the credit score or the popularity it deserves.
“I couldn’t flip that down. That was by no means going to come back once more.”
Buxton spoke to final 12 months concerning the change from F1, explaining what he finds thrilling about IndyCar. He stated:
“We now have an actual alternative to carry superb racing to a whole era of latest racing followers.
“[There are] issues which are phenomenal about IndyCar. The various kinds of race observe; then there’s the groups: model new ones like Prema and grandees like Penske; and the drivers: the totally different talent units they should carry [racing at 220mph at Indianapolis, threading through narrow street tracks and mastering classic American road courses].”
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He added:
“Whenever you ask F1 drivers: ‘Would you go and race IndyCar?’ A variety of them say, ‘Oh, I don’t know, I feel it is likely to be a bit harmful.’ When you may have F1 guys saying ‘We’re a bit scared about IndyCar’, it reveals you the extent that these drivers are at.
“The truth that they will exit and race these items reveals such super expertise, such unimaginable speeds and such sensible race-craft as effectively. You have a look at the variety of overtakes for place at each single IndyCar race, it’s simply astonishing.”
