IndyCar is infamous for being one of the most dangerous motorsports in the world, and this has been echoed by the likes of Formula 1 legends Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Max Chilton is one of many drivers that have competed across both of the categories throughout his career.
The Brit competed in 35 races for Marussia in Formula 1 between 2013 and 2014, before moving to Indy Lights for 2015 and then IndyCar in 2016.
In 78 races, he failed to achieve a pole position, podium or victory in IndyCar, but he does have plenty of experience to draw back on.
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What Max Chilton ‘hated’ about IndyCar
Back in 2017 when driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Chilton seemed in position to win the Indy500 after dominating the latter portion of the race, but fell off and finished fourth despite having led the most laps with 50.
The Indianapolis 500 oval race is part of the renowned ‘Triple Crown’ – joined by the Monaco Grand Prix and the Le Mans 24 Hours Race as part of motorsport’s holy trinity.
Ovals are typically more dangerous to compete on due to the high-speed and dramatic nature of the tracks compared to their purpose-built or street circuit counterparts.
Speaking on the MotorMouth Podcast Tim Silvey, Chilton’s former manager, revealed something that the Brit didn’t like after making a move to race in North America.
“I used to look after Max Chilton when he was racing in Formula 1 and then he went across to IndyCar and he hated it,” he said.
“Because he was a mid-pack racer going round an oval with that big draft he was just like ‘no, this isn’t for me.’ It’s a terrifying thing.”
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What else has Chilton been doing since racing in IndyCar?
Chilton announced his retirement from IndyCar in February 2022, opting to focus on endurance racing instead.
He is yet to compete in a competitive motorsport event since, but has appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
He holds the record for the fastest ever Hillclimb at Goodwood in the McMurtry Speirling – achieved back in 2022.
The car also happens to be the smallest ever car to hold the record, having completed the climb in just 39.08 seconds.