Formula 1 and IndyCar may look similar at first glance — but the differences run deep. From car design and race formats to driver salaries, safety, speed, and strategy, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about what truly separates Formula 1 from IndyCar.

In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna deliver the ultimate beginner-friendly and fan-approved guide to open-wheel racing’s two biggest championships. Whether you’re new to motorsport or a longtime fan, this episode explains how F1 and IndyCar differ in tracks, budgets, technology, rules, pit stops, driver development, and racing culture.

We also dive into:

• Why IndyCar races on ovals — and F1 doesn’t
• How fast these cars really go
• The difference in qualifying formats
• Why F1 drivers need Super Licenses
• The Indy 500 vs Monaco Grand Prix — motorsport’s ultimate showdown
• Which series is faster, safer, and more physically demanding

If you’ve ever wondered “What’s the difference between Formula 1 and IndyCar?” — this is your complete guide.

🎧 Subscribe to Reading the Grid for weekly deep dives into Formula 1, racing history, motorsport culture, and everything fueling your F1 obsession.

Welcome back to Reading the Grid — your guide to Formula 1.

Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into one of motorsport’s most iconic rivalries as we review Ford vs. Ferrari (2019), the racing drama that chronicles Ford’s all-out attempt to end Ferrari’s dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the film isn’t Formula 1, its themes of rivalry, innovation, ego, and obsession hit especially close to home for F1 fans — particularly as Ford prepares to return to the grid in 2026.

We break down what the movie gets right, what feels more Hollywood than history, and why Christian Bale’s Ken Miles stands out as one of motorsport’s most compelling figures. From 1960s racing technology and Le Mans lore to modern F1 parallels, we explore how this story lands differently when viewed through a Formula 1 lens.

Then we shift gears into one of the paddock’s most revealing moments: the F1 Secret Santa gift exchange. We’re judging the most thoughtful gifts, the most confusing choices, the worst reactions, and the drivers who perfectly embodied peak F1 personality — because in Formula 1, even a gift exchange can spark chaos.

This episode sets the tone for Season 2: smarter breakdowns, deeper context, and a modern take on Formula 1 — without the gatekeeping.

It’s the Season 1 Finale of Reading the Grid — and we’re closing out the 2025 Formula 1 season the only way that feels right: with our Definitive Racing Superlatives (DRS) Awards. 🏆

From the best and worst races of the year to Driver of the Year, Most Improved, Rookie of the Year, and the moments that stole — or shattered — our hearts, we break down everything that defined one of the most chaotic and emotionally charged F1 seasons in recent memory.

We revisit unforgettable highs like Nico Hülkenberg’s long-awaited podium, Ferrari’s historic double disqualification, McLaren’s controversial team orders, and Max Verstappen’s improbable championship comeback — alongside baffling strategy calls, off-track drama, and the mysteries that still don’t make sense.

Plus, we spill the grid on the FIA Awards, Red Bull’s leadership shakeup, Ferrari’s struggles, and what it all means heading into the massive 2026 regulation changes.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a Drive to Survive convert, this episode is your ultimate 2025 F1 season recap — and the perfect sendoff to Season 1.

🎧 Buckle in. Let’s relive the moments that defined Formula 1 in 2025.

The 2025 Formula 1 season comes down to the wire in Abu Dhabi — and Lando Norris emerges as a first-time World Champion by the narrowest margin in F1 history.

In this season finale episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna break down everything from the tense title fight, Oscar Piastri’s bold opening-lap move, and Max Verstappen’s race win, to Charles Leclerc’s stunning late-season form that forced McLaren into defensive strategy calls.

We discuss:

• Lando Norris winning the F1 World Championship by just two points
• The closest title fight (by percentage) in F1 history
• Ferrari’s late surge and Charles Leclerc “driving like a man possessed”
• Lewis Hamilton’s charge through the field in his final Ferrari race
• Who won — and broke — our hearts in Abu Dhabi
• The final Words of Wisdom, unforgettable team radio, and off-track drama
• What this finale signals heading into new regulations in 2026

A tense, emotional, and historic night in Formula 1 — and the perfect way to close the season.

Lights, desert, meltdown. The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix gave us everything except a straightforward weekend. In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin & Inna break down the strategy chaos, standout drives, heartbreak moments, and the championship picture heading into an Abu Dhabi finale not seen since 2021.

We unpack McLaren’s shocking strategy choices, Max Verstappen’s tactical masterclass, Oscar Piastri’s lost win, and Carlos Sainz’s brilliant Williams podium. We also dive into Haas’ disastrous pit stop for Ollie Bearman, Ferrari’s nightmare weekend, Racing Bulls’ ups and downs, and the rise of Kimi Antonelli—whose on-track moment with Lando Norris spiraled into disturbing online abuse.

Plus: our favorite quotes of the weekend, who won our hearts, who broke them, and bold predictions for the Abu Dhabi title decider.

If you love race debriefs, team drama, strategy breakdowns, and spicy F1 commentary — this episode is for you.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix had EVERYTHING: rain, chaos, penalties, heartbreak, and one of the wildest championship shakeups of the season. Erin & Inna break down every twist from the Strip — including Lando Norris’ polesitter heartbreak, Max Verstappen’s dominance, and the double McLaren disqualification that flipped the standings on their head.

We dive into: 🏁 How rain turned Vegas into a strategic gamble 🏁 Why both McLarens were disqualified — and what it means for the title fight 🏁 Kimi Antonelli’s stunning P17 → P3 rookie performance 🏁 Ferrari’s roller-coaster weekend with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton 🏁 Who won our hearts… and who broke them 🏁 The midfield madness from Williams, Haas, Sauber, Racing Bulls, Alpine & Aston Martin

Then we look ahead to Qatar with our full predictions for: 🔮 Sprint pole & winner 🔮 Grand Prix pole 🔮 Full podium picks 🔮 Best of the Rest surprises …and a few spicy conspiracy theories and paddock rumors along the way.

Plus: 🔥 The best (and worst) team radio moments 🔥 Off-track drama: Horner rumors, Aston Martin shakeups, Verstappen’s future, and more 🔥 “Words of Wisdom” — the most iconic quotes from Vegas

If you love Drive to Survive, race recaps, chaos, fashion, and F1 drama, this episode is your perfect cool-down lap.

Subscribe to Reading the Grid for more race reviews, predictions, and all the F1 chaos you crave.

Lights, noise, asphalt — we’re back under the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, and this episode is packed. Erin and Inna break down everything you need to know heading into F1’s wildest weekend: earlier start times, F1 Academy’s season finale, and the tightening championship fight between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen. We reveal our pole picks, podium predictions, Ferrari chaos forecasts, and the “best of the rest” wildcards that could shake up the grid. Then it’s time to Spill the Grid — from Sky Sports’ TikTok misfire to Hamilton’s Ferrari blueprint drama, Max vs. George, Toto’s big-money move, and Daniel Ricciardo’s Shoey Bar legacy. Vegas always deals a wild hand… so who hits the jackpot this year?

The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix was pure F1 chaos — unpredictable weather, dramatic crashes, and championship-shifting moments at Interlagos. Lando Norris completed his near-perfect weekend, winning both the Sprint and the Grand Prix to extend his lead over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing: McLaren’s harmony is cracking, Ferrari’s heartbreak deepens, and Kimi Antonelli’s breakout P2 finish sparks big conversations about the next generation of drivers.

In this episode, Erin and Inna unpack:

• McLaren’s dominance — and whether favoritism is creeping in
• Ferrari’s disastrous weekend and John Elkann’s jaw-dropping comments
• Kimi Antonelli’s stunning performance (and his collision with Leclerc 👀)
• Yuki Tsunoda’s shocking treatment at Red Bull
• The viral tiny car parade that stole everyone’s hearts
• The spiciest “Words of Wisdom” and team radio from Brazil

Grab your headphones and a caipirinha — because this race review has everything: controversy, chaos, and classic Interlagos drama.