Santino Ferrucci, a driver with experience in both F1’s feeder series and IndyCar, has shed light on the strict control Formula 1 exerts over its competitors. The 27-year-old racer, originally from Woodbury, now competing in the United States, described how F1 contracts demand drivers to relinquish much of their personal freedom, including limitations on social media expression.
Ferrucci, who left the FIA Formula 2 series in 2018 to focus on open-wheel racing across the Atlantic, recounted how drivers in Europe face far more restrictive regulations than those in IndyCar. His remarks highlight the contrasting cultures between the two major racing series and underline the personal challenges drivers encounter with F1’s contractual demands.
Stricter Rules and Limited Freedom in European Racing
Ferrucci illustrated the contrast sharply by recalling an incident after his podium finish at the Road America Grand Prix, where he drank a beer handed to him by a fan upon running out of fuel. While such celebratory moments are widely accepted in IndyCar, similar behavior in Formula 1 would lead to severe penalties due to strict adherence to protocol.
He explained to CT Insider how racing in Europe means surrendering control over what he can say and do, especially on social media, where any deviation from team or series guidelines could cause significant consequences. Ferrucci described the environment in F1 as controlling to the point of forcing drivers to “sign your life away,” preventing them from expressing their opinions freely.
“Racing in Europe, they control what you say, how you post. They try to make you sign your life away and they control you and tell you what to do and what not to do. It is very forced. You witness a lot of that in motorsports right now in Formula 1, and it is upsetting they don’t let drivers express their opinions.”
— Santino Ferrucci, IndyCar Driver
Greater Expression Allowed in IndyCar and NASCAR
In contrast, Ferrucci emphasized the freedom IndyCar grants its drivers, where athletes are encouraged to speak openly and maintain individual personalities. He praised the series for allowing competitors to voice their thoughts on improvements and sponsor relationships without restrictions, a cultural difference that he finds refreshing.
“In IndyCar, we can say whatever we want. You see articles all the time about things we think are good and things we want to change. They let drivers have personalities. The same with the sponsors. They let us be ourselves, and that is a big part of the sport. It has worked at NASCAR for so long, and I think IndyCar does a really good job with that.”
— Santino Ferrucci, IndyCar Driver
Recent Performance Highlights and Championship Standings
Ferrucci’s ongoing IndyCar season has shown signs of improvement following a slow start in 2025. His podium finish at Road America marked his second top-three placement in the last three races, and he has consistently finished within the top five four times over the last five events. Starting 18th on the grid at Road America, Ferrucci executed a risky strategy and took advantage of several caution periods to climb the ranks late in the race.
Currently ninth in the championship, Ferrucci holds an advantage over his AJ Foyt Racing teammate David Malukas, who is three positions behind in the standings. His recent form suggests he is becoming a more formidable competitor in IndyCar’s fiercely contested field.
Implications of Ferrucci’s Perspective on Driver Autonomy
Santino Ferrucci’s insights reveal ongoing tensions within top-tier motorsport between driver freedom and organizational control. His perspective draws attention to the restrictive nature of Formula 1 contracts and the potential impact on a driver’s personal and professional life. Meanwhile, his experience in IndyCar highlights an alternative environment where athlete individuality and open communication are valued.
This contrast may influence how emerging drivers weigh their career options between series. As the racing world evolves, Ferrucci’s candid comments contribute to broader discussions on athlete rights and the culture within international motorsport.
