After the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, a photo featuring Max Verstappen alongside NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has ignited widespread speculation about the four-time Formula 1 champion possibly crossing over into NASCAR. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with theories about whether Verstappen, known for his dominance in F1, might soon test his skills on American ovals. The surprise meeting at Miami, coupled with Dale Jr.’s enthusiastic support for Formula 1, has fueled fresh rumors that the Dutch driver could take on the unique challenges of NASCAR racing, sparking a debate that blends excitement with curiosity about the future of motorsports.
The speculation can be traced back to last year when Kyle Larson, a prominent NASCAR driver, publicly challenged Verstappen’s versatility across different racing disciplines. In an interview with FloRacing, Larson confidently claimed,
I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver.
He questioned Verstappen’s ability to succeed outside of Formula 1, stating,
There’s no way [Verstappen] can get into a Sprint Car and win the Knoxville Nationals. There’s no way he can win the Chili Bowl. There’s no way he can go win a Cup race at Bristol.
Larson’s comments, bold and provocative, quickly set off an intense discussion among motorsport fans about whether Verstappen could transition effectively to NASCAR.
Max Verstappen himself responded to the challenge calmly, emphasizing respect for all drivers’ talents while acknowledging his own limitations.
That’s fine. Everyone thinks their own way, right? We should not have that debate because everyone is good in their own right. I wouldn’t be good at dirt. Maybe if I practice… I don’t know. I think at the end of the day, a good racing driver picks up things quite quickly,
he said, showing openness but refraining from outright dismissing the idea of adapting to different racing forms.
The fire was further stoked during the Miami GP weekend, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. attended his first Formula 1 race alongside his wife Amy. Invited by Red Bull Racing and Hard Rock Bet, Dale Jr.’s visit was more than just a personal experience; it was a symbolic crossover moment between two iconic motorsport worlds. He shared his excitement on social media, saying,
Our first @F1 event. Thanks @HardRockBet @redbullracing.
Fans seized upon a photo of Dale Jr. with Verstappen taken just before the race, interpreting the image as a potential sign of an imminent partnership or crossover into NASCAR by Verstappen.
On social media platforms, the fan reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. One popular comment simply stated, “Max to the #8 car…confirmed,” referencing the iconic NASCAR number. This blend of Formula 1’s global glamour with NASCAR’s homegrown passion awakened imaginations across fan bases, leading many to wonder if Verstappen might truly be considering a challenge on American stock car circuits. Dale Jr., who owns JR Motorsports and has been exploring a potential Cup Series entry, adds credibility to these speculations. Coupled with Red Bull’s commercial reach and Verstappen’s celebrity status, the crossover suggestion no longer seems as far-fetched as it once did.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s admiration for Max Verstappen is well documented. During Verstappen’s dominant 2023-2024 seasons, where he won 22 of 26 races, Dale Jr. publicly praised the young driver’s prowess despite some fans criticizing the perceived lack of competition. On his “Drive to Wynn” podcast, Dale Jr. remarked,
I’m a big fan of Max. I like to see Max succeed, I love to see him dominate… Why aren’t we amazed and just in awe of what he accomplished tonight? But instead, we thought ‘Oh man, this is the worst. Gosh, I hope that never happens again.’
This respect between two generations of racers underscores why speculation about Verstappen trying NASCAR has traction.
Verstappen is not the only F1 driver eyeing NASCAR. Former teammate Daniel Ricciardo, a long-time fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr., already dipped his toes into stock car racing in 2021 by driving Dale Sr.’s famous No. 3 Monte Carlo at the Circuit of the Americas after a bet. Commentators like FOX’s Bob Pockrass have suggested Ricciardo’s involvement could deepen, predicting a move beyond one-off appearances:
Daniel comes to NASCAR in more than just a one-off move… There would be teams and sponsors that want him racing stock cars.
Additionally, young Australian driver Oscar Piastri has expressed significant enthusiasm toward NASCAR. According to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, Piastri has frequently discussed his excitement about stock car racing. Brown told Dale Jr. on his podcast,
Oscar’s kind of knocked on my door a little bit about his excitement around NASCAR… If we were to do something with Kyle [Larson] and one of our Formula One drivers, it’d probably most likely be Oscar.
These developments display a growing interest within Formula 1’s rising stars to explore NASCAR’s unique appeal.
The Miami photo appears to symbolize more than just a fleeting meeting—it represents the slowly opening floodgates between F1 and NASCAR. While no official announcements have been made regarding Verstappen, Ricciardo, or Piastri, the growing crossover chatter shows the two worlds of racing are drawing closer. This moment has energized fans, who are eager for multi-series showdowns and fresh rivalries that could shake up traditional motorsports narratives.
Social media reactions demonstrate the breadth of fans’ excitement. A notable tweet declared,
JR MOTORSPORTS TO CUP WITH HONDA, RED BULL, MAX, AND SVG!
envisioning a powerhouse team combining global motorsports stars and leading automotive brands. Yet, despite this enthusiasm, Verstappen himself remains cautious about NASCAR’s appeal and difficulty. He once commented,
The cars look heavy and hard to control, and it’s a different world. I enjoy watching, but I’m more of a European racing guy,
indicating respect for the challenge but no firm commitment to transition.
Fans are calling for opportunities to hear directly from Verstappen about these possibilities. Many hope for a conversation on Dale Jr.’s popular podcast, the Dale Jr. Download, similar to Zak Brown’s insightful 2024 interview. Such discussions could offer clarity on Verstappen’s mindset and potential plans, satisfying the curiosity that has grown from last year’s debate and this year’s Miami moment.
The desire to settle the question of Verstappen’s potential success in NASCAR is strong. One fan wrote,
After the whole Kyle Larson ‘I’m the best driver in the world’ thing, I really would like to see Max run some laps in a stock car. People think he’d be nowhere near the Cup Series lap time, but I’m willing to bet he’d compete very well if he transitioned to NASCAR.
This points to wider interest not just in speculation but in actual evidence and action, as fans crave closure on the rivalry dynamics that captured their attention last year.
Moreover, the introduction of NASCAR’s Owner’s Entry Program (OEP) could facilitate Verstappen’s participation, allowing him to choose events that suit his skills and ambitions and compete directly against NASCAR’s best. This regulatory flexibility might make the crossover more feasible, should Verstappen decide to take on the challenge.
Some fans imagine even bolder outcomes. One wrote,
Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Junior held a surprise news conference in a few months with an announcement that Max Verstappen will be driving for Junior Motorsports in 2026.
Although this sounds speculative, it highlights how the motorsports community is closely watching Verstappen’s career trajectory amid reports of dissatisfaction with Red Bull’s recent progress.
As rumors swirl and discussions intensify, the possibility of Verstappen seeking new challenges beyond Formula 1 remains tantalizing. Whether driven by personal ambition, a desire to test his versatility, or industry dynamics, Verstappen’s NASCAR crossover speculation continues to captivate fans, experts, and insiders alike. If realized, such a move could reshape motorsports, bridging continents and disciplines, and generating a thrilling new chapter for the sport.
Until official news emerges, the Miami GP photo stands as a powerful symbol of possibility, fueling dreams of one of racing’s greatest talents taking on NASCAR’s fierce competition and creating moments remembered for years to come.
