Will Buxton’s Career Move: Formula 1 to IndyCar

A voice and face in F1 broadcasting that’s easily recognizable, another different shade now beckons as Will Buxton sets another new chapter for himself down the road. At Fox Sports, as play-by-play host for its broadcast of the IndyCar series, Buxton will be diving into this new world inside the fold of the championship beginning next year—2025.

This is a considerable change in career for the British journalist and presenter, who had been part of the Formula 1 paddock for years.

A Journey Through Motorsport

It certainly wasn’t the case when the cameras and people of television decided that this particular gentleman’s opinion had any bearing; in fact, Buxton’s road to becoming one of the respected voices in motorsport began a good deal of time before he graced television sets around the world. Born in Portsmouth in England during 1981, Buxton grew up in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Interest in racing sparked for Buxton when he turned eight. In fact, amazingly enough, nobody has ever been really into races around his family home since he was 14 years old.

When the then 13-year-old Buxton was a kid, F1 icon Ayrton Senna died tragically in 1994. It brought him closer to the sport where he began his future profession. He remembers that the journalists who had written about Senna’s death and legacy left such an impression on him; it was at that point in his life when he felt close enough to F1 and wished to become a motorsport writer.

Early Career and Rise in Formula 1

Buxton’s first forays into motorsport journalism began while attending undergraduate studies at the University of Leeds. Writing early material for GrandPrix.com, his very political studies thesis was entitled, “The Politics of Formula 1.” This early material eventually found him employed by prominent motorsport journalist David Tremayne as a staff writer for Official Formula 1 Magazine in 2002.

Soon to leave that brief public relationship with GP2 Series—it is now renamed Formula 2—Buxton went back into journalism, becoming an editor for GPWeek, the virtual magazine, though his career did take that seeming dramatic turn in the year 2009 when his live commentating role began for not only GP2 but also GP2 Asia Series in working for the Formula One Management.

Buxton more seriously started his career in television when, in 2010, he became the Speed channel’s Formula 1 pit-lane reporter, continuing through 2012. When NBC Sports obtained the rights for broadcasting Formula 1 in 2013, the show moved, taking him with it. While at NBC, he covered IndyCar races, gathering more experience in American open-wheel racing.

Formula 1 Digital Presenter

In 2018, Buxton returned to Formula 1 in an official capacity: as the sport’s first digital presenter. This involved him hosting various features on F1 TV and the official F1 YouTube channel, such as the now-very-popular “Weekend Warm-Up.”. His bubbly personality and deep knowledge of the sport immediately made him a fan favorite.

By the time he made an appearance in the most-run documentary series, “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” on Netflix, Buxton was already somewhat known, except in the Formula 1 circles. Since he often spoke with insight and such depth, his voice became synonymous with the show as it introduced him to a whole new different audience of motorsport followers.

The Move to IndyCar

For most in the F1 paddock, the move of Buxton to IndyCar came out of nowhere, but in truth, it really means the realization of a long-cherished dream. As he himself stated, “I always kind of hoped that at some point in my career there would be an opportunity, some sort of sliding doors moment, where I was able to come over and cover the championship full time.”

Buxton’s appointment is part of Fox Sports’ effort to put together the best on-air team in advance of its inaugural season of IndyCar race coverage. He will be joined by former IndyCar drivers James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell, who have both been signed as analysts on the races.

This move returns Buxton to Fox, some 15 years after the network—through Speed Channel—gave him his first break on American television. It’s a sentiment not lost on Buxton, who said he is “excited to be back with the FOX family.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Though it goes without saying that he will most certainly bring a huge amount of experience in the world of motorsport broadcasting into immense service in his new role, transitioning to IndyCar represents both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. IndyCar really is a different series from Formula 1, although there are those who believe it bears lots of similarities; it has its culture, history, and racing style.

The biggest challenge for Buxton may well be getting used to the little things about IndyCar racing. Of course, he has done some covering for the series with NBC, but being a lead commentator requires him to know the sport inside and out. This involves being on top of the details with oval racing, which forms a big chunk of the IndyCar calendar but does not feature in Formula 1.

This might prove to be a little difficult, but Buxton’s experience in covering several motorsport disciplines throughout his career should stand him in good stead in this regard. He was able to adapt and learn quickly throughout a career that moved steadily from print journalism into digital presenting.

Another challenge will be the relationship-building within the IndyCar paddock. Where in the world of Formula 1, Buxton is very well-liked and highly respected, it’ll take some time to forge such connections in IndyCar. Admittedly, his affable nature and genuine passion for motorsport should ease things.

On the opportunity side, Buxton comes aboard IndyCar at one of the more promising times for the series. With growing international interest and a field full of competitive drivers, IndyCar is in a position to grow. Buxton’s international notoriety, in large part with Formula 1 enthusiasts, can help bring new viewership to IndyCar races.

In addition, Buxton has created several interactive pieces of digital content that could be quite the asset to Fox Sports, especially in a time when the network is looking to increase the IndyCar presence across all media platforms. The ability to engage fans through social media and online content may have helped IndyCar reach a more youthful, digitally savvy audience.

Impact on Formula 1

Buxton’s absence from Formula 1 will most definitely be felt, indeed, by the sport’s worldwide following. His style of presenting in an engaging way and his in-depth knowledge have gained him many friends among F1 followers. He will create a void in the digital content strategy that the Formula One Group is going to have to give quite a bit of thought to just how it fills.

But the move by Buxton can also be used as a way to bridge the gap between the fans of Formula 1 and Indycar. His presence, face, and voice may beckon the F1 followers to tune into the Indycar transmission and vice versa, in growing the viewership of the two series.

Looking Ahead

As Buxton prepares to take up his new role, he is characteristically ebullient and modest. “I’m blown away,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m humbled by the opportunity. Massively excited. This excitement is tempered with a recognition of the challenge ahead, with Buxton admitting, “It’s daunting. I’m not going to beat around the bush—it’s terrifying.

Yet, for this career change, Buxton considers taking such a risk: “Every once in a while, you’ve got to take a risk and get out of the comfy seat and go out and do something that excites you.” This characterizes Buxton’s approach to his career—always looking for something new and challenging.

Conclusion

To the veteran broadcaster Will Buxton, upping sticks and leaving Formula 1 for IndyCar means so much more than a change of scenery. This leap into the deep is an exciting new challenge that might just change the face of motorsport broadcasting in North America. Buxton brings a lot of experience, a very deep passion for racing, and connectivity with the fans on all platforms. In many ways, his arrival to IndyCar comes at one of the most important periods in the series’s life as it looks to grow its global relevance and reach a wider audience.

A loss, arguably, to the world of Formula 1—but most definitely to the gain side of IndyCars and its aficionados. Buxton brings knowledge, enthusiasm, and a gift for stories into the team, which most definitely means IndyCars will get renewed perspective on most of its features. All eyes will be on Buxton going into the IndyCar season of 2025, and if the successes of the past are anything to go by, viewers are in for in-depth commentary, great storytelling, and contagious enthusiasm regarding the sport of IndyCar racing. In the end, it is an adventurous spirit and a deep and abiding love of motorsport in all its forms that underpinned the final career shift of Will Buxton.

And with this next chapter well underway, there is indeed plenty for both Formula 1 and IndyCar fan bases to look forward to in passion and insight as one of the most respected voices in the business embarks upon an all-new journey.