Dale Earnhardt Jr. compares NASCAR and Formula 1 as he reflects on their differences after witnessing the spectacle of Formula 1 at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, highlighting F1’s global reach and vast resources, while asserting that NASCAR’s passion and community keep the racing spirit strong in America. The famed NASCAR Cup Series team owner and Hall of Famer openly shares his admiration for Formula 1’s showmanship but believes that core racing values remain firmly rooted in NASCAR.
A Childhood Fan Turns Critical Eye to Formula 1
Although best known for his legendary NASCAR career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has followed other motorsports since he was young. Admitting a fascination with Formula 1 during his childhood, he once recalled,
“I think that there are years where Formula 1 for me is incredibly entertaining, and back when Schumacher and those guys were going at Mika [Hakkinen]. There were some years where you get really plugged in,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
His respect for F1 deepened during the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, where he was struck by the grandeur of the event, which felt larger than life with its impressive hospitality setups and festival atmosphere that transformed the Miami International Autodrome into something well beyond a typical race day.
This first-hand look at Formula 1’s city-wide impact left a mark on Earnhardt Jr., equipping him with new insights as he evaluates the ongoing debate between NASCAR and F1. He recognizes that while F1 boasts enormous resources and a global reputation, NASCAR is undeterred, steadfast in its efforts to innovate and expand.
Formula 1’s Funding Sets a High Bar
Discussing the most significant differences between the two sports, Earnhardt Jr. has been unflinchingly honest about F1’s financial advantages. In a candid moment after attending the Miami race, he observed,
“It’s money. F1 has so much support from sponsorships and partnerships that allow them all that creativity. Really, the sky’s the limit in terms of how big they make the event feel. And that’s really NASCAR’s challenge.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
His remarks point to the vast investments F1 teams attract compared to their NASCAR counterparts. For example, Hendrick Motorsports, a top NASCAR team, navigates sponsorship challenges with relative ease, but for less prominent teams, the decline is apparent. While some 60% of Fortune 500 companies used to sponsor the Daytona 500, that number has dwindled to about 20%. Meanwhile, Formula 1 teams routinely secure sponsorship deals that surpass $100 million, fueling even greater spectacle and technological advancements.
The result is unmistakable for fans and cities alike. Formula 1’s economic influence on host cities is staggering. Miami alone experienced a $349 million impact from the Grand Prix in 2023, which ballooned to $500 million in 2025, with hospitality and business activity radiating outwards from the circuit. As Earnhardt Jr. put it,
“First of all, the race was fun to watch, and the product on the racetrack was entertaining. But it was the build-out of all of the hospitality that was wild to me. When F1 comes to your area, it is massive. It affects everything. The footprint, and how it expands out beyond the race itself, was really impressive.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
NASCAR Evolves and Expands Its Reach
Despite F1’s spectacle and resources, Earnhardt Jr. remains optimistic about NASCAR’s direction. The sport has welcomed international drivers like Daniel Suarez and Shane van Gisbergen, injecting new energy and broadening its appeal. Reflecting on these developments, he noted,
“But it’s NASCAR’s goal as well. That’s why we’re in Mexico City and why we went to Chicago. That’s why you hear the rumors about races going to San Diego, Brazil, and Canada. So intentional effort to really expand our reach and who we connect to and create new fans outside of our traditional geographical footprint.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
These efforts are starting to pay off. The Chicago Street Race brought in a $128 million economic boost for the city, while Daniel Suarez’s recent win in Mexico City’s Xfinity Series race excited fans and cultivated a growing audience. NASCAR may not match F1 in global reach, but its spirit and sense of community continue to resonate with supporters both at home and abroad.
Momentum in Sponsorship and Media
Earnhardt Jr. recognizes that NASCAR is finding ways to evolve and attract new partners even if change is gradual. The rise in interest from media giants like Prime and TNT signals fresh momentum for the sport’s broadcasting and commercial opportunities. He commented,
“And that will draw in interest from new partners, and we’re seeing that already on the, you know, the broadcasting side with new partners like Prime and TNT coming in and. So there’s a, you know, it’s a long process of gaining momentum, building on that momentum, taking advantage of it, pulling all the right levers.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
This process marks a strategic shift, combining endurance with innovation as NASCAR aims to compete for attention and dollars in a shifting motorsports landscape.
Personal Preference: Not About Picking Sides
Even after witnessing F1 firsthand, Earnhardt Jr.’s loyalty to NASCAR remains unchanged. He resists the temptation to rank one motorsport higher than the other, explaining,
“Because people want to know, ‘Well, did you like it better? Did you like it more?’ But I don’t think that’s a fair question. It’s not about liking it better or more — it’s just a different kind of motorsport. Whatever love that I have for NASCAR, whatever that pie is, didn’t change. I think that’s fair. Is it a great experience? Would I go again? Absolutely. Especially in another country. I got an American version of the global sport that F1 is. If I were to go to Monaco or another country and see it, it would be even completely different. It would be even more epic, right?”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
His openness underscores the importance of both NASCAR and F1 in the world of motorsport, as each appeals to fans in unique ways.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Returns to Pocono in New Role
While the conversation about the future of American racing continues, Earnhardt Jr. prepares for another career milestone. Known for his competitive spirit at Pocono Raceway, where he boasts two Cup Series victories, 11 top-five, and 15 top-10 finishes over 35 starts, he will assume the responsibilities of crew chief for the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250.
This Saturday, with regular JR Motorsports Xfinity Series crew chief Maddy Lindley suspended, Earnhardt Jr. will lead as crew chief for Connor Zilisch’s debut race at Pocono. Zilisch, who faces heightened pressure with a NASCAR icon leading his team, shared his anticipation with fans:
“Pressure is on. New face in the pit box this weekend.”
—Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Xfinity Driver.
For Zilisch, it’s a significant opportunity to learn from one of the best, while for Earnhardt Jr., it’s another way to give back to the sport he loves and remain engaged at every level.
The Enduring Spirit of NASCAR in a Changing World
As the rivalry between NASCAR and F1 unfolds, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to bridge the gap as both a fan and a leader. He acknowledges F1’s unmatched financial and entertainment prowess but steadfastly believes that NASCAR’s heart and authenticity are what set it apart. Earnhardt Jr.’s experiences at the Miami Grand Prix and his willingness to embrace new roles within NASCAR exemplify a commitment to advancing the sport while honoring its roots.
NASCAR’s push for expansion—in new cities, countries, and through diverse broadcast partnerships—marks the beginning of a new era, one where American motorsports seek to balance showmanship with substance. Earnhardt Jr.’s perspective invites fans and industry leaders to have passionate, honest dialogue about what makes racing special, ensuring that the true racing spirit endures alongside progress and change. As the motorsports calendar rolls on, all eyes will be on Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 team at Pocono, where tradition meets transformation on the storied track.
