Will Buxton had been a popular Formula 1 presenter for over a decade, often known for his frank and direct opinions about drivers, teams, and cars. However, his sudden switch to IndyCar in 2025 raised many questions about the timing of his decision. Now, Buxton has opened up about the reason behind the career switch.
A popular face on Netflix’s Drive to Survive docuseries, Buxton’s exit from F1 was a surprise to many, but what awaited him at the other end was something he really wanted to do. The 45-year-old presenter grabbed the opportunity at Fox Sports to cover the IndyCar series starting last year.
This was also Fox’s first year broadcasting the open-wheel racing series after acquiring the IndyCar broadcasting rights from NBC. Buxton appeared in an interview with Lucas Stewart, opening up on the switch at a time when F1 has been witnessing phenomenal growth in fan following in the U.S. He said:
“After 25 years in Formula 1, right at the peak of its popularity, a movie in the works (F1), F1’s never been more popular. What’s the best thing you can do? Quit! For most people, it seemed like the stupidest idea.”
Read More from MotorBiscuit:
- Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Results: Kimi Antonelli Storms to Pole as Verstappen Eliminated
- Lando Norris is Already on the Brink of Massive F1 Grid Penalties
- After Hyundai, Kia Recalls Telluride Over Power Seat Problem That Could Cause Injury
He added:
“But I’ve always loved IndyCar. When I was approached by Fox, and when they presented their view of what IndyCar could become and what they wanted to do with the championship, it rang so true to what I joined with Formula One ten years ago.
“To be able to bring that experience, and that know-how, and that knowledge, and to transfer that to a championship that: A, I’ve always loved. B, I think is like super exciting, but doesn’t get the credit or the recognition it deserves.
“I couldn’t turn that down. That was never going to come again.”
Buxton spoke to Motor Sport last year about the switch from F1, explaining what he finds exciting about IndyCar. He said:
“We have a real opportunity to bring amazing racing to an entire generation of new racing fans.
“[There are] things that are phenomenal about IndyCar. The different types of race track; then there’s the teams: brand new ones like Prema and grandees like Penske; and the drivers: the different skill sets they need to bring [racing at 220mph at Indianapolis, threading through narrow street tracks and mastering classic American road courses].”
He added:
“When you ask F1 drivers: ‘Would you go and race IndyCar?’ A lot of them say, ‘Oh, I don’t know, I think it might be a bit dangerous.’ When you have F1 guys saying ‘We’re a bit scared about IndyCar’, it shows you the level that these drivers are at.
“The fact that they can go out and race these things shows such tremendous skills, such incredible speeds and such brilliant race-craft as well. You look at the number of overtakes for position at every single IndyCar race, it’s just astonishing.”
