Formula 1 and NASCAR represent two unique realms of motorsport, each with its own distinct character. F1 cars, known for their lightning-fast speed and advanced technology, contrast sharply with the rugged, muscle-bound stock cars and trucks of NASCAR. While F1 dazzles with sophistication, NASCAR thrills with its raw, no-holds-barred style, where contact between cars is just another part of the game. Despite these differences, some extraordinary drivers have shown exceptional skill in both arenas, proving their versatility and talent.
The roster of Formula 1 drivers who have ventured into NASCAR is impressively long. Some have not only participated but have also triumphed in F1 races before trying their hand at NASCAR stock cars. In this article, we delve into the stories of five remarkable F1 winners who have made the jump to NASCAR, showcasing their journey and achievements.
### 1. Kimi Raikkonen: The Iceman’s Hot Pursuit
Kimi Raikkonen’s racing career kicked off with a flourish in the world of karting across Finland, the Nordic region, and Europe. By 2000, the young Finnish driver caught the eye of the Sauber Formula 1 team, earning a test session that led to a full-time seat in 2001 at just 21 years old.
Raikkonen’s F1 career is nothing short of legendary. With 349 starts across five teams, he has clinched 21 victories, 103 podium finishes, 18 pole positions, and 46 fastest laps, including the coveted 2007 world championship title. However, in 2011, during a break from F1, Raikkonen explored the American motorsport scene by competing in a few Truck and Xfinity Series races.
After officially retiring from Formula 1 in 2021, Raikkonen made his NASCAR debut the following year. He piloted the “Project 91” Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing at Watkins Glen International. The Finnish ace also returned to NASCAR for the 2023 inaugural road course race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), alongside fellow F1 champion Jenson Button, who drove the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing.
### 2. Jenson Button: The Gentleman Racer’s American Adventure
Jenson Button, a driver known for his smooth driving style and tactical prowess, enjoyed a stellar F1 career spanning 17 seasons. With 15 victories to his name, Button reached the pinnacle of motorsport in 2009, clinching the world championship with six wins that season.
After stepping away from F1 in 2016, Button continued to embrace diverse racing challenges. In 2023, he drove the Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the 100th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an ambitious project spearheaded by NASCAR, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and Hendrick Motorsports.
Button’s foray into NASCAR saw him sign a three-race deal with Rick Ware Racing in 2023. He took the wheel of the #15 Mobi1 Ford Mustang at iconic venues like COTA, the Chicago Road Course, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, showcasing his adaptability across different racing disciplines.
### 3. Juan Pablo Montoya: The Colombian Sensation
Juan Pablo Montoya burst onto the F1 scene in 2001 as the first Colombian driver to compete in the sport. With 95 starts, Montoya racked up an impressive record of seven wins, 30 podiums, and 13 pole positions.
Montoya’s racing exploits extended beyond F1, with a significant stint in NASCAR. Over nine years, he made 255 starts, beginning with his debut at Homestead-Miami in 2006 and concluding with the 2014 Brickyard 400. In a thrilling announcement, Montoya is set to return to NASCAR, driving the No. 50 entry for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen in September 2024, reigniting excitement among fans.
### 4. Jacques Villeneuve: The Versatile Virtuoso
Jacques Villeneuve’s career is a testament to his incredible versatility behind the wheel. The Canadian driver has not only competed in F1, where he secured 11 wins, 23 podiums, and 13 poles across 165 starts, but also triumphed in various other racing categories. He claimed the 1997 world championship title, further solidifying his legacy.
Villeneuve’s NASCAR journey began in 2007 with the Nextel Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. His most recent appearance in NASCAR was at the 2022 Daytona 500, demonstrating his enduring passion for racing and his ability to adapt to different motorsport disciplines.
### 5. Lewis Hamilton: The King of the Track
Lewis Hamilton’s name is synonymous with excellence in Formula 1. The British star, known for his unparalleled speed and precision, boasts an astounding 105 wins, 201 podiums, and 104 pole positions. With seven world championships to his name, Hamilton is a true icon of the sport.
While Hamilton has never officially competed in a NASCAR race, he did get a taste of the American series during a promotional event in 2011. The event saw Hamilton swapping cars with NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, taking Stewart’s No. 14 Office DEPOT machine for a spin around Watkins Glen. Although Hamilton’s future in NASCAR remains uncertain, the crossover event provided a tantalizing glimpse of what could be.
