Will Buxton, a well-known motorsport commentator who transitioned from Formula 1 to IndyCar in 2025, has publicly addressed the controversy arising from the scheduling conflict between the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix and the 110th Indianapolis 500, both set to take place on May 24, 2026. This clash has sparked strong reactions among fans, who are concerned about having to choose between watching two prestigious racing events occurring simultaneously.
Buxton expressed his hope that IndyCar owner Roger Penske and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali would engage in a meaningful discussion to resolve the issue. He suggested that they could coordinate the start times of their respective races to allow fans to enjoy both events fully. Buxton emphasized the significance of the Indy 500, describing it as the “single most attended one-day sporting event on Earth” with around 7 million viewers in the U.S. alone in 2025, and highlighted its status as a 110-year-old institution that transcends American motorsport.
Traditionally, the Indy 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix have shared the same date, but Monaco’s earlier timing allowed fans to watch both. However, with the Canadian GP and Indy 500 located in similar time zones, this logistical advantage is lost, intensifying concerns over fan experience and viewership.
Will Buxton, who began his career in American motorsport broadcasting 15 years ago and gained international recognition through his work in Formula 1 and the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” joined FOX as the lead IndyCar commentator in 2025. He has been a vocal advocate for IndyCar, aiming to raise its profile and share the excitement of the series with a wider audience.
In addition to the scheduling controversy, Buxton’s commentary comes amid ongoing challenges for IndyCar, including the recent cheating scandal involving Team Penske at the 2025 Indy 500. Team Penske, owned by Roger Penske, was penalized after two of its cars were found to have illegal modifications, resulting in significant sanctions and suspensions of key team personnel. This scandal has cast a shadow over the sport’s crown jewel event, the Indy 500, and heightened scrutiny on the integrity of the series and its leadership.
Buxton’s call for cooperation between Roger Penske and Stefano Domenicali reflects a desire to protect the interests of fans and preserve the prestige of both IndyCar and Formula 1 events. By coordinating race schedules, the two motorsport giants could avoid forcing fans to choose between iconic races, thereby enhancing the global motorsport experience.
