Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old motorsports prodigy known for his success in NASCAR, is questioning the feasibility of his Formula 1 aspirations despite his impressive track record. As he prepares for his first full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026, Zilisch acknowledges the significant hurdles involved in transitioning from American stock car racing to the elite world of Formula 1 in Europe.
His uncertainty about this career move emerged as he reflects on the complex pathway to F1, including licensing requirements and the demanding feeder system drivers must navigate to reach the pinnacle of open-wheel racing.
The Difficult Road Toward Formula 1
Although Zilisch has amassed 10 wins in his rookie year of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, his doubts about a future in Formula 1 remain. On a recent episode of the Stacking Pennies Performance podcast, he admitted the challenge that lies ahead:
“I don’t know, honestly. Don’t know what good looks like. I don’t know what the opportunity would have to be for me to want to switch over there, but it’s not easy. It’s not like you just go straight to F1 and hop in a car and, you know, you got to go through the whole feeder system, get a super license. Um, there’s so much that goes into it,”
Connor Zilisch said.
His hesitation is compounded by a missed opportunity last November to test with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Rookie Test at Bahrain. Zilisch did not accumulate enough ACCUS license points—necessary for American drivers—to qualify for the Hypercar test after falling short in the 2025 Xfinity title race. This setback highlights the strict regulations and qualification process enforced by FIA, the governing body behind F1 and global motorsport competition.
Zilisch’s Broad Racing Success and NASCAR Commitment
Connor Zilisch’s racing résumé spans multiple series, showcasing his versatility and winning ability. His victories cover ARCA, the Mazda MX-5 Cup, the CARS Tour, Trans-Am, IMSA, and he holds an esteemed past as a CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy champion. These accomplishments underline why he is widely recognized as a rising star in motorsport.
Despite his deep ambitions to eventually race in Formula 1, Zilisch has expressed a realistic outlook about his immediate future, indicating his readiness to focus on a career in NASCAR with Trackhouse Racing. He recognizes the NFL-style competitiveness in American stock car racing and accepts the need to build his legacy there first.
Reflecting on his lifelong dream, Zilisch shared:
“Growing up, my dream was to race an F1. So, I thought it would be cool, but I just think it’s so far-fetched that. I doubt anything would ever happen to give me the right opportunity to go over there and race in F1. But it fits with the right team, I feel like I’ve done everything I want to do on this side of the pond. And maybe I would think about it, but I’m pretty happy with where I’m at,”
he said.
Strong NASCAR Rivalry and Support from Shane van Gisbergen
Throughout 2025, Connor Zilisch was at the forefront of a compelling rivalry in road course racing alongside New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen. Their frequent clashes in the Xfinity Series produced several memorable moments, with wins exchanged at key venues like the Chicago Street Race, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen.
As Zilisch enters the 2026 NASCAR season, van Gisbergen, a multiple-time race winner and established star, has openly praised his young teammate’s talent and growth potential.
Van Gisbergen remarked on Zilisch’s quick adaptation to the challenges of NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars and the intense competition:
“He’s an unreal talent… The development of him at his age is so impressive,”
Shane van Gisbergen said.
“You’re not used to the car, and again, you jump in, and it’s a short practice straight into qualifying, and once you’re buried in the pack, it’s hard to get through. So, yeah, I’m sure this year racing it every week, he’ll definitely be up the front.”
This endorsement adds to the optimism surrounding Zilisch’s immediate NASCAR ambitions even as the prospect of an F1 future remains uncertain.
Implications for Connor Zilisch’s Career Path
Connor Zilisch’s journey illustrates the complexity young drivers face when balancing their aspirations between different motorsport disciplines. His immense success across various racing formats underscores his potential, yet logistical and regulatory barriers make a swift F1 transition unlikely.
With his full-time NASCAR Cup Series debut approaching, Zilisch appears poised to strengthen his reputation in America’s premier stock car racing division. Meanwhile, his cautious remarks about Formula 1 signal a recognition that such an opportunity might require more time, resources, and the right circumstances to become attainable.
As Zilisch continues to compete, the motorsport world will be watching whether he chooses to pursue the challenging path to F1 or refocuses his talents on building a lasting NASCAR legacy.
