NASCAR’s top racer, Kyle Larson, is ready to put his words into action soon, and he’s eager about it. Just weeks before he dominated the Bristol playoff race, Larson made a bold claim: he believes he is a better driver than Formula One star Max Verstappen. Now, with his recent victory under his belt, Larson is more motivated than ever to back up his assertion.
Having ventured into various racing disciplines including IndyCar, dirt racing, and stock cars, Larson is now poised to take on the challenge of European open-wheel racing. His versatility as a driver makes him an ideal candidate for such an endeavor, and McLaren’s top officials share this sentiment. Larson himself is excited about the prospect of making a name for himself on the international stage.
Larson’s confidence is palpable as he reflects on his recent achievements, particularly after winning the Knoxville Nationals. “I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” Larson stated about the three-time F1 world champion. He expressed strong beliefs that Verstappen could not win prestigious events like the Chili Bowl Nationals or a NASCAR Cup race, nor could he match Larson’s feat of leading 462 laps in a Cup race at Bristol—a record reminiscent of Cale Yarborough’s 495 laps in 1977.
Yet, Larson’s bold statements aren’t merely talk; he is keen to demonstrate his versatility by driving an F1 car. In a recent appearance on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, he opened up about his aspirations in Formula One. “I think it was an option this year, but I’ve just got so much going on,” he explained. He noted that pursuing such an opportunity would require planning well in advance, emphasizing, “I would like to, but I would rather do it on one of those open test-style deals like after Abu Dhabi, you know, when other drivers are on the track too.”
However, Larson acknowledged that diving into the world of Formula One is unfamiliar territory for him. He expressed uncertainty about the requirements to participate, saying, “I mean, I don’t even know if I’m allowed to ’cause I don’t know if you have to have like a super license or whatnot.” Nevertheless, he remains optimistic and focused on the next best option. “I think the driver swaps are really cool, but you don’t really have a bar…a gauge of where you stack up to others who do it. It’d be fun to do that with Oscar, Lando, or whoever.” Ultimately, Larson reiterated his desire to compete alongside other drivers to measure his speed and skills against them.
The 28-time Cup race winner’s dream may soon become a reality. McLaren’s CEO, Zac Brown, is already looking to facilitate this opportunity while also considering a potential reverse deal. Larson has become a hot topic in American motorsports, and with McLaren’s support, his aspirations could be realized. Brown has expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’d love to see Kyle in an F1 car.” Drawing from past experiences, he mentioned how seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson had the chance to test a 2013 MP4-28 car in Bahrain back in 2018, which bolsters the idea that Larson’s ambition to challenge Verstappen could indeed come to fruition.
Moreover, as Larson expresses his interest in F1, there is also buzz around two-time Grand Prix winner Oscar Piastri looking to make his own NASCAR debut. Brown revealed, “Oscar knocked on my door a little bit about his excitement around NASCAR, so I think if we were to do something with Kyle and one of our Formula 1 drivers, it would probably most likely be Oscar.” This excitement extends to the possibility of McLaren entering a car in the legendary Daytona 500. Brown conveyed his enthusiasm, saying, “That would be kind of cool.”
With Larson’s rising profile and ambitions, it seems inevitable that he may soon make his mark on the European racing scene. A crossover between Formula One and NASCAR could become one of the most exhilarating developments in motorsports, captivating fans around the globe. As Larson prepares to potentially take this bold step, the racing world watches in anticipation of what’s to come.
Kyle Larson Sparks F1 Abu Dhabi Speculation Amid Max Verstappen Best Driver Debate!
