Will Buxton’s first Long Beach Grand Prix as a FOX Sports IndyCar commentator was more than a debut—it was a homecoming of sorts
While the setting may be new, the energy, respect for the sport, and commitment to fans remain the same.
As the 2025 season continues, fans can expect more engaging commentary, deep insights, and emotional storytelling from one of motorsport’s most beloved voices.
IndyCar has gained more than a broadcaster in Will Buxton; it has gained a passionate advocate and enthusiastic storyteller.
And judging by the buzz from Long Beach, this new partnership is just getting started.
The Thermal Club Grand Prix may not have been the fan-favorite many hoped for, but it undeniably sparked conversation—and that, in its own way, is valuable.
Will Buxton’s candid reflection brought a sense of balance to the discourse, offering a reminder that even amidst backlash, there can be moments worth celebrating.
As IndyCar continues to evolve and explore new ideas, both the series and its fanbase will need to navigate these growing pains together.
If there’s one thing the Thermal Club experiment made clear, it’s that racing is not just about the cars—it’s about the people watching, the stories being told, and the willingness to adapt while staying true to the sport’s roots.
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Will Buxton Embraces a New Chapter with IndyCar at Long Beach
Veteran motorsports commentator Will Buxton has officially begun a thrilling new chapter in his broadcasting career, joining FOX Sports’ commentary team for the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series.1
His debut at the Long Beach Grand Prix marked a significant moment—not just for Buxton, but also for the series and its expanding broadcast team.
Known for his deep passion for motorsport and articulate race commentary, Buxton’s transition from Formula One to IndyCar has been met with enthusiasm from fans and colleagues alike.
Then imagine the sight, the speed, the sound and the spectacle of 33 of them at Indianapolis. https://t.co/EmuDnseQKo
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) April 16, 2025
A Weekend to Remember in Long Beach
The 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach marked Buxton’s first race weekend with FOX Sports as an IndyCar commentator.
Sharing the broadcast booth with former IndyCar drivers James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell, Buxton brought his signature insight, storytelling ability, and international perspective to the American open-wheel scene.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Buxton shared his thoughts and experiences from the weekend:
“Hugely enjoyable week in Long Beach both on and off track. What an amazing event. Never experienced its kind before. Incredible buzz, huge turnout, fun race, and getting to spend it all with great friends.”
His words reflected genuine excitement and admiration for the spectacle that is the Long Beach Grand Prix—an event beloved by fans and drivers for its unique street circuit and electric atmosphere.
Will Buxton: From F1 to IndyCar
A Seamless Transition
Will Buxton isn’t a stranger to the IndyCar paddock. During NBC’s tenure as the broadcast partner for IndyCar, Buxton occasionally contributed to coverage.2
However, his full-time commitment had always been with Formula One, where he served as a digital presenter and commentator for the Formula One Group.
The transition to IndyCar with FOX Sports marks the first time Buxton has fully committed to American open-wheel racing. Despite the change in series and geography, Buxton has quickly found his stride.
“I never imagined in a million years that there would be an opportunity to switch full time to IndyCar,” Buxton told The Race. “But it became really clear really quickly that there was this amazing opportunity, and the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around twice.”
Chemistry in the Commentary Booth
- In his new role, Buxton joins two seasoned experts in James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell.
- The chemistry between the trio was noticeable from the first session at Long Beach, with each commentator bringing their unique angle—Hinchcliffe’s driver insight, Bell’s technical analysis, and Buxton’s global motorsport knowledge.
- Fans on social media quickly praised the dynamic, noting that Buxton’s addition provided a fresh and energetic tone to FOX’s IndyCar coverage.
- With his natural enthusiasm, polished delivery, and storytelling skills, Buxton complements the booth well. More importantly, he helps connect the series with newer audiences who may be familiar with his work in Formula One.
- The reaction to Buxton’s move to IndyCar has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans, drivers, and fellow broadcasters have all expressed their support for his transition.
- For many, Buxton’s love of motorsports and respect for the craft of racing makes him a welcome voice in any series.
- Social media lit up with kind words from fans following his Long Beach debut.
- Many commented on how seamlessly he blended into the booth, and how his presence elevated the broadcast with a sense of global perspective and polished commentary.
Will Buxton: Why Long Beach Was the Perfect Debut?
Few venues in the IndyCar calendar offer the same mix of history, fan engagement, and urban excitement as Long Beach.3
As one of the longest-running street circuits in North America, the event is often referred to as the “Monaco of IndyCar”—a fitting place for Buxton to start, considering his F1 background.
From track walks to behind-the-scenes interviews, Buxton took the time to absorb the atmosphere, engage with the paddock, and dive deep into the stories that make IndyCar special.
He documented his experience through photos on social media, showcasing a weekend filled with learning, connection, and excitement.
A Career Defined by Passion and Adaptability
At 44, Will Buxton has worn many hats in motorsport media. From humble beginnings as a print journalist to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Formula One, he’s spent over two decades capturing the essence of racing across continents.
His decision to pivot toward IndyCar wasn’t taken lightly. It came from a place of opportunity and a desire to explore new challenges—traits that have defined his career.
Buxton’s adaptability and commitment to authentic storytelling are qualities that serve him well in the constantly evolving landscape of motorsports broadcasting.
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A New Era of FOX Sports Coverage
Buxton’s arrival coincides with FOX Sports’ broader effort to revitalize its IndyCar coverage. With an experienced and engaging booth, enhanced production values, and a focus on deeper storytelling, the network aims to grow the sport’s reach across the United States and beyond.
Buxton’s presence, given his international following and broadcasting pedigree, aligns perfectly with this vision. He brings a global audience, a professional polish, and a journalistic curiosity that elevates race-day broadcasts and mid-week features alike.
With his Long Beach debut complete, Buxton now looks ahead to a full season of IndyCar action. From the high-speed ovals to technical road courses and fan-favorite street circuits, he’ll continue to explore the diverse world of American open-wheel racing from the booth.
His focus is not just on lap times and results but on bringing the human stories behind the sport to life—highlighting the drivers, engineers, strategists, and fans who make IndyCar a uniquely compelling championship.
From the Streets of Monaco to the Shores of California
Will Buxton’s move from the grand prix circuits of Europe to the vibrant streets of Long Beach is more than a professional shift—it’s a bold embrace of a new racing culture.
The move also reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of global motorsports, where talent, passion, and perspective can transcend series boundaries.
Whether breaking down tire strategies or narrating the emotion of a late-race pass, Buxton continues to do what he does best: bring fans closer to the heart of racing.
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Will Buxton Speaks Out After Thermal Club Grand Prix Backlash
The 2024 Thermal Club Grand Prix marked a bold, unconventional move by IndyCar, hosting the race at a private, exclusive venue in California.
Designed to offer a unique motorsport experience, the event was the first of its kind in the series. However, the decision to hold a professional race at a members-only racing club with limited spectator access stirred frustration among fans.
What was supposed to be a showpiece event ended up being overshadowed by controversy over accessibility and coverage issues.
FOX Sports, responsible for broadcasting the race, compounded the backlash when the telecast experienced technical issues. Key laps were missed during the main event due to a loss of coverage, frustrating fans tuning in from home.
These combined factors led to a wave of criticism online, with many questioning the rationale behind choosing such a secluded venue for a major IndyCar race.
The Risk and Reward of Experimentation
- IndyCar’s decision to experiment with a private venue like the Thermal Club was a calculated risk.
- On one hand, it introduced the sport to a new, affluent demographic and aligned with a growing trend in motorsports—mixing luxury with racing.
- On the other, it risked alienating core fans who value tradition, openness, and accessibility.
- Events like the Miami Grand Prix in Formula One have shown that blending exclusivity with racing can be successful, but only if managed with balance.
- IndyCar, a series that prides itself on fan interaction and accessibility, may have overcorrected in pursuit of a glitzy showcase.
- There’s no doubt that the Thermal Club Grand Prix has become a case study in what happens when innovation clashes with fan expectation.
- While it wasn’t a failure in terms of racing quality, it became a PR headache due to the surrounding circumstances.
- The key takeaway moving forward is the importance of balancing novelty with tradition.
- Unique venues can add spice to the calendar, but they must be paired with robust broadcasting infrastructure and accessible fan engagement strategies.
Will Buxton: Breaks His Silence
In the days following the Thermal Club Grand Prix, former Formula One pundit and motorsport journalist Will Buxton shared his thoughts in a heartfelt social media message directed toward the IndyCar fanbase.
Known for his candid commentary and deep passion for racing, Buxton offered a different perspective—one that challenged fans to reframe their thinking.
Buxton wrote:
“One week on from Thermal, I’m reminded again of the high bar Indycar has for what’s considered a good race. Huge questions asked about the track and whether we’d get a single pass, but it actually delivered a race! With lots of overtaking!”
His comments acknowledged that expectations were low heading into the race due to the nature of the track and the event’s format.
Still, Buxton felt that fans prematurely dismissed the race before giving it a fair chance. To him, the Thermal Club GP overdelivered in terms of on-track action.
Reframing Expectations in Modern Motorsport
Buxton’s message brings attention to a broader issue in motorsports—what constitutes a “good” race. In an era where fans have access to multiple racing series across different formats and countries, expectations can become skewed.
The high entertainment value provided by series like Formula One, NASCAR, and MotoGP often sets a benchmark that not every race can meet.
Buxton made the case that the Thermal Club GP offered genuine racing moments and overtakes, which are critical metrics for assessing race quality. He implied that, while the venue and broadcast issues deserved criticism, the racing itself was unfairly judged.
“From where I’ve come from, that qualifies as an automatic top-tier contest and one which would be lauded as such.”
Accessibility and Fan Engagement:
Still, the backlash wasn’t without merit. Fans expressed frustration over being shut out—both physically and virtually.
The Thermal Club is a private facility, accessible only to members, their guests, and limited media personnel. This exclusivity felt like a stark contrast to the open, fan-friendly culture that IndyCar has traditionally embraced.
Furthermore, the broadcast issues on FOX were a critical blow to the event’s success. As racing increasingly depends on global TV audiences and online engagement, any interruption in coverage—especially during pivotal race moments—leaves fans disillusioned. Without adequate visibility, even the most exciting races fail to leave a lasting impression.
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