Dale Earnhardt Jr. has sparked discussions after sharing his firsthand impressions of Formula 1 fans versus NASCAR supporters, following his debut attendance at the Miami Grand Prix. The racing legend, accompanied by his wife Amy, experienced his first F1 event in person over the Miami weekend, prompting him to reflect publicly about the differences he observed in how fans react to the sport’s action.
During a recent episode of the Bless Your ‘Hardt podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the contrast between NASCAR and F1 races. In his view, NASCAR races tend to have cars “in relatively close proximity” throughout the field, creating constant passing and moments for fans to cheer.
“Fans celebrate a pass in NASCAR the moment it happens, no matter where it occurs in the field,”
he said, emphasizing the energy and engagement that ripple through NASCAR crowds.
In Formula 1, Dale Earnhardt Jr. noticed a distinct atmosphere among fans in the stands. He observed that even when a favorite driver missed an opportunity, fans weren’t “mad,” and the reactions leaned more toward reserved discussions. He referenced a bit of “back and forth” and “saltiness” between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the end of the race, revealing that passionate debates persist even when expressions differ from NASCAR audiences.
What left an unforgettable impression on Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the physical size of an F1 car. He described the vehicles as “super wide, super long,” with “big tires,” and admitted,
“Everything about an F1 car was larger than one expects it to be.”
Despite the imposing presence of the cars, Earnhardt Jr. remarked that F1 action on the track felt less “dynamic” compared to what appears on TV. However, the 2x Daytona 500 winner called witnessing a car launch from a dead stop “the coolest part,” marveling at how these machines “go freaking fast,” even though their speed seems deceptive due to lack of close racing.
The insights provided by Dale Earnhardt Jr. shed light on the nuanced experiences of motorsport fans across two iconic racing disciplines. His open comparison resonates with both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers, potentially fueling curiosity, debate, and appreciation for the unique elements each sport offers. As more drivers share candid observations like these, the dialogue around how fans connect and celebrate their favorite racing series will likely continue to evolve and inspire.
