Imagine a Formula 1 commentator swapping the mic for a racing helmet and hitting the track in a Supercar—sounds thrilling, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened when 35-year-old British commentator Jolyon Palmer took the wheel of Anton De Pasquale’s DeWalt Supercar at Albert Park, with the Australian star riding shotgun. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this wasn’t just a joyride—it was all part of filming a special segment for F1 TV, where Palmer serves as an analyst and commentator. And this is the part most people miss: Palmer isn’t just a talker; he’s a seasoned racer himself, having competed in 35 Grands Prix for the Renault F1 team during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, even clinching the 2014 GP2 Series title. Since hanging up his racing gloves, he’s seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, including a stint on an alternate commentary stream carried by Kayo Sports in Australia in late 2025.
Palmer couldn’t hide his enthusiasm after his Supercar laps, describing the experience as “an absolute blast.” He recalled his first ride as a passenger the previous year, marveling at the grip and speed, but admitted, “Getting behind the wheel myself? That’s a whole new level of cool.” He even tried pushing the limits, experimenting with sliding and feeling the car’s raw power. But here’s the controversial bit: Palmer boldly claimed the Supercar experience was “night and day different” from his F1 days at Albert Park. “It’s heavier, it’s got some serious grunt, but the braking points come earlier, and the car is way more forgiving,” he explained. “It’s almost like the Supercar lets you get away with more—something I wish I’d known during my F1 crash here!”
Speaking of crashes, Palmer’s last visit to Albert Park in an F1 car ended in a collision, so he was determined not to repeat history. “I was extra cautious on that final corner,” he laughed. “But honestly, it was so much fun to drive.” Interestingly, Palmer’s journey mirrors that of his father, Dr. Jonathan Palmer, who raced in 83 F1 Grands Prix during the 1980s before also transitioning into commentary. It’s a family legacy that adds an extra layer of intrigue to this story.
This crossover between F1 and Supercars isn’t an isolated event. During Australian Grand Prix week, Oscar Piastri got behind the wheel of a Tickford Racing Mustang at Calder Park, with Cam Waters and Mark Winterbottom in attendance. Meanwhile, Red Bull hosted a promotional event at Calder featuring Daniel Ricciardo and Broc Feeney. It’s a blending of two racing worlds that’s sparking conversations and debates among fans. But here’s the question: Which racing series truly offers the ultimate driving experience—F1 or Supercars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out Oscar Piastri’s reaction to his first Supercar laps here.
