Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently reignited discussions about his potential move to Formula One, sharing his interest in testing himself against the world’s top open-wheel drivers. Speaking about his desire to race in F1, Larson emphasized his competitive drive, saying,
“I would love to strap in with 19 other cars out there and really see where you’re at on the speed charts.”
The Hendrick Motorsports driver’s comments come amid preparations for the demanding 1100-mile “Double” event, in which he plans to compete in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 this year, while also considering a future across different racing disciplines.
Larson’s ambitions extend beyond NASCAR as he contemplates the challenges and prestige of Formula One, a sport known for its global appeal and technical sophistication. His readiness to explore this path highlights the growing crossover interest among elite drivers looking to prove their all-around racing skills.
Comparing Racing Prowess: Larson’s Bold Statement on Verstappen
Following his victory at the 2024 Knoxville Nationals, Kyle Larson sparked controversy with a confident claim about his abilities in comparison with F1’s Max Verstappen. He stated he believes himself to be superior “as an all-round racer.” Verstappen responded with measured skepticism, saying,
“That’s fine. Everyone thinks their own way, right?”
This exchange generated significant discussion on social media and attracted curiosity about Larson’s interest in Formula One.
Earlier in 2024, after dominating a Bristol race by leading 462 laps, Larson openly expressed interest when asked by fellow NASCAR star Kevin Harvick about racing F1. He revealed a specific desire to participate in a driver swap with Arrow McLaren’s Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris, underlining his admiration for the team and his ambition to experience F1 firsthand.
During an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ Larson reflected on his visit to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021, praising the scale and atmosphere of the event, though he found the racing style different from American series. He remarked,
“Never been asked to drive in F1, I think it’s tough coming from my background of dirt tracks and ovals. But I went to Abu Dhabi in 2021. It was sick, like, the event was awesome. It was incredible. The racing is not what we are accustomed to in America. There, it’s crazy how big it is because,”
before adding,
“it’s not super exciting, but I think it’s the stuff outside of it.”
Contrasting NASCAR and Formula One Atmospheres
Kyle Larson highlighted the differences between the two motorsport worlds, noting Formula One’s global scope and star power compared to NASCAR’s predominantly American fanbase. He said,
“The celebrities that are there, the engineering, the money. Just everything about that. You know, the big brands on the cars and stuff.”
Despite this, he expressed great respect for American racing, stating,
“I feel like NASCAR, IndyCar here in America, like, you can’t find much more exciting racing than what we have here. So, I’m fortunate to get to run both of them.”
However, Larson made it clear that he would seize any chance to race in Formula One, stating,
“but I would definitely never turn down the opportunity to go [race F1].”
Currently balancing his NASCAR commitments with his IndyCar efforts, Kyle Larson is determined to excel despite some setbacks on the road toward the iconic Indianapolis 500.
Overcoming Challenges on the IndyCar Circuit
Kyle Larson’s transition to IndyCar has been marked by some difficulties, particularly adjusting to new hybrid technology and car dynamics. Chad Knaus, Hendrick Motorsports’ Vice President of Competition, praised Larson’s resilience, saying,
“A very short memory is all I can think of.”
He pointed to Larson’s ability to recover quickly from accidents, which included a crash into the wall during an Open Test in April and multiple impacts during the Fast Friday practice sessions.
Larson himself explained these challenges stemmed from the introduction of hybrid systems in 2025 IndyCar machines, affecting the vehicle’s weight and handling. He commented,
“Yeah, I think that with the introduction of the hybrid system this year, the weight of the car has made it a bit more challenging to find the right balance. I didn’t feel very good at the open test. Then, you know, I had a spin last week. I had a lot more front grip than I’ve ever felt in an IndyCar. Yeah, it kind of swapped around on me. But you’ve seen it this year. A handful of really good drivers have lost control of their cars. But, as I said, it’s a fun challenge trying to figure out your car and improve its balance.”
Despite the hurdles, Larson remains optimistic and focused on improving his performance as the prestigious Indy 500 approaches.
What Lies Ahead for Kyle Larson’s Racing Career?
The ongoing dialogue between Kyle Larson and Max Verstappen, alongside Larson’s expressed ambitions, add an intriguing dimension to motorsports as boundaries between disciplines become more fluid. Larson’s willingness to test himself in vastly different racing environments speaks to his confidence and desire to prove his versatility, possibly influencing future crossovers between NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One.
As Larson continues to prepare for the challenging Double event and navigate IndyCar’s hybrid era, the motorsports community watches closely to see if the American star will seize an opportunity to race in Formula One, a stage that promises new challenges and a broader spotlight.
In light of his competitive spirit and growing profile, Larson’s evolving career could inspire other drivers considering ambitious transitions across racing series, enriching the sport’s dynamic landscape.
