Is formula 1 or nascar faster. F1 needs faster reactions breaking and throttle throughout the race though. Formula one designers fight a constant war on the atmosphere with pointy bits and rude noses to slice the air. In terms of the car f1 is definitely faster.
If a f1 would be setup for a big oval they would lap an indycar pretty soon. Whereas nascar can maintain a constant speed near 200 mph. A nascar stock car with an unrestricted plate can hit 240 mph at talladega as rusty wallace proved.
Undoubtedly a formula one car is much faster than a nascar car but its difficult to make comparisons as they dont race on the same circuits. The chevrolet ford and toyota cars are fast in their own rights but working against them is their weight which on average comes in at around or even above 1360 kg 3000 lbs. Formula 1 cars are single seat and open wheeled which means the wheels are on the outside of the car and not under the fenders as they are with nascar.
But in terms of average racing speed it depends on the circuit. Some people find formula 1 thrilling while others prefer to settle in for a few hours to watch nascar. Nascar uses cars that are essentially heavily modified street cars.
Nascar is due to the lack of real downforce a lot slower. Having said that i will offer the following. They also never stay at top speed since they race on roadstreet courses.
In 1980 the last time formula one raced at watkins glen ny bruno giacomelli qualified an alfa romeo on the pole at an average speed of 130322 mph. These drivers must have lightning fast reflexes impressive handling skills and the ability to effectively communicate with pit crews to ensure victory. This does not seem so far off when you know that the steering wheel all things combined costs over 50000.
Around cota a f1 car is 16 seconds faster than an indycar. When it comes to racing most fans are familiar with the three most popular leagues. Lmp1 and formula 2 are also faster.
When it comes to speed nascar undeniably falls behind the other two popular races indycar and formula 1. Formula 1 was founded in 1950 whereas nascar in 1948. Hochenheim for example is very very fast in parts and f1 cars can hit something like 250 mph.
They use the most powerful and the most technically advanced cars and to drive them you have to be the best there is. During a race a nascars chassis is literally bent by the centrifugal force of orbit. There was a joke that f1 steering wheel costs as much as nascar car.
Formula 1 although they never race on ovals so they are far lighter than a stock car. At the end of the day its what suits your needs. You are comparing apples and oranges.