Former F1 driver blasted with repeated 'f*** you' after Indy 500 crash

Alongside the Canadian Grand Prix, another of motorsport’s most iconic and prestigious events took place overseas last weekend: the Indianapolis 500, the legendary 500-mile race in which drivers battle over 200 laps around the famous oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana.

The 2026 Indianapolis 500 - widely known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” - was won by Felix Rosenqvist for Meyer Shank Racing. The Swede defeated David Malukas in the closest finish in Indy 500 history, crossing the line just 0.0233 seconds ahead after a dramatic overtake on the final lap.

Drama unfolded on lap 27 for Carpenter, when launched a move to the inside of Sato into Turn 1 during a fierce battle for position. The pair touched as the former Formula 1 driver turned into the corner, pitching Carpenter into a spin before he slammed into the wall and suffered an immediate retirement from the race. The American was visibly enraged after climbing out of the car under yellow flag conditions, repeatedly yelling “f*** you” in Sato’s direction as the Japanese driver drove past the scene of the crash.

Speaking after the incident, Carpenter did not hide his frustration with Sato’s actions, describing the move as 'disappointing' and admitting he had expected far better judgement from a driver of the Japanese veteran’s experience: “I would expect way more out of him.”

Pato O’Ward has admitted he no longer feels any real desire to pursue a move to Formula 1, becoming the latest high-profile driver - alongside figures such as Max Verstappen - to voice concerns over the increasingly electrified direction of the sport’s future regulations.

Speaking to FOX Deportes, the McLaren IndyCar driver explained that his original dream of reaching Formula 1 had always been driven by the thrill and spectacle of driving the cars themselves rather than fame or financial rewards. However, O’Ward now feels modern F1 has moved too far towards artificial racing mechanics, criticising systems that allow drivers to gain advantages through energy deployment and push-to-pass style features: "You don’t want to be flipping a switch to say, 'Oh, I'm going to press it to pass him artificially.' It's not Mario Kart; we’re racing here. Honestly, I have zero desire to be part of that."

The Mexican even compared the current style of racing to Mario Kart, echoing comments previously made by Verstappen, while insisting he has no interest in competing in what he now sees as an overly manufactured form of racing entertainment.

O’Ward instead stated that IndyCar currently offers the purest environment for drivers who genuinely want to race, adding that Formula 1 no longer appeals to him in its current form: "I feel that right now, today, this is the best series for a driver who wants to race, here, in IndyCar... Formula 1 right now is an artificial show, and honestly, I have zero desire for it; it doesn't grab my attention."