Fox Sports is making headlines as the network prepares for its inaugural season as the U.S. media rights partner for IndyCar, with prominent motorsports broadcaster Will Buxton reportedly under consideration for the network's commentary team.
According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, Buxton, who gained fame through his work on the Netflix series Drive to Survive and currently serves as on-air talent for the Formula 1-owned F1 TV, is among the talents being courted by Fox for the upcoming IndyCar season, which kicks off on March 2nd on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Despite Buxton's rising profile as one of the most recognizable journalists covering Formula 1, it remains unclear what role he would play within Fox's IndyCar coverage or if he would be interested. Speculation mounts about whether he might relinquish his responsibilities with Formula 1 or attempt to juggle commentary roles across both racing leagues, especially since the IndyCar season overlaps with eight weekends where both series will be active.
Buxton's background makes his potential move intriguing. Before his time with F1, he worked for Speed Channel, which was owned by Fox, before joining NBC Sports as an F1 pit reporter from 2013 until 2018. During this period, he also had stints covering IndyCar. Now, as Fox prepares to air all 17 races of the IndyCar season on its main broadcast channel—making it the only top-level motorsport series available on free-to-air television—his involvement could significantly impact the sport's visibility.
Historically, Fox and NBC have structured their motorsports coverage differently, with NBC's previous approach marked by familiar voices such as Leigh Diffey, who provided play-by-play commentary for IndyCar. Diffey will not be part of Fox's broadcast team, as he is remaining with NBC to cover NASCAR and other events. This leaves Fox to fill the play-by-play announcer role, with Allen Bestwick being identified as a “natural candidate,” but many believe Buxton could bring the necessary flair to differentiate Fox’s IndyCar broadcasts from its other offerings.
Adam Stern reports Fox exploring options, including former IndyCar drivers James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell, both who covered IndyCar under NBC's banner last season. While they are potential candidates to join Fox's commentary team, Buxton is considered the more notable hire due to his broad appeal among F1 fans.
Buxton’s impactful presence on platforms like 'Drive to Survive' has solidified his reputation. His behind-the-scenes access and honest reporting style have endeared him to viewers, creating high expectations about how he could translate this success to IndyCar broadcasts. Yet, as of now, no formal agreements have been reported.
Fox’s aggressive approach to developing its IndyCar coverage reflects the network's commitment to distinguishing the series from its NASCAR broadcasts. Mark Miles, President and CEO of IndyCar’s parent company Penske Entertainment, noted their collaboration and emphasized the importance of tailoring the broadcast to reflect IndyCar’s unique identity. “This is not going to be a NASCAR broadcast. This is going to be an IndyCar broadcast,” he asserted, underlining their desire for distinctive commentary and presentation choices.
Meanwhile, fans and industry watchers are eager to see who will fill the commentary slots. Given Buxton's knack for storytelling and passion for motorsports, many believe his addition could attract new fans and invigorate the IndyCar audience. Fox has yet to finalize its broadcast team, and their promotional strategies—possibly incorporating high-profile names beyond Buxton—are also anticipated during events like the Super Bowl LIX.
Looking toward the future, Buxton’s fate remains uncertain, pending interest from Fox, his current commitments with Formula 1, and how effectively he could navigate simultaneous broadcasts. The stakes are high, as IndyCar seeks to reclaim attention after its previous rights held by NBC, which also showcased its events prominently.
The upcoming IndyCar season signifies not only new broadcasting rights but also the potential for reinvention of how the sport is presented to the viewing audience. Will Buxton's transition, if it occurs, could mark the dawn of a new era for IndyCar coverage, engaging both seasoned motorsports fans and new spectators drawn by Fox’s innovative strategies.