Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has indicated that Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen could soon debut in the NASCAR Cup Series through Trackhouse Racing. This development is gaining attention as Verstappen has expressed interest in expanding his motorsport career beyond Formula 1. The prospect of a Max Verstappen potential NASCAR Cup Series debut reflects his broader ambitions to explore new racing challenges after his F1 career.
Verstappen’s Future Plans Beyond Formula 1
Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs through the end of 2028, and he has mentioned that he does not intend to continue competing in Formula 1 into his late 30s. By the time his current deal expires, Verstappen will be 31 years old, leaving open the possibility of transitioning into other motorsport arenas. NASCAR, where Red Bull has recently increased its involvement by sponsoring Trackhouse Racing during select Cup Series events, stands out as an attractive post-F1 option for the Dutch driver.
Trackhouse Racing’s Project91 Initiative and International Star Participation
Trackhouse Racing manages Project91, an initiative designed to welcome prominent international drivers from various racing backgrounds to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series. Notable names who have participated under this program include former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, and triple Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen. Van Gisbergen’s impressive debut victory in Chicago during the 2023 season through Project91 led to his full-time commitment to the Cup Series in 2024.
Harvick on Verstappen’s Prospects with Red Bull and Project91
Speaking on his podcast, Kevin Harvick reflected on Verstappen’s racing interests and connections.
“We’ve seen him run some of the other little races that he’s done in the past. So I think that if he’s not doing F1, it becomes a lot easier to open those doors,”
Harvick explained. He also highlighted the significance of Red Bull’s involvement, stating,
“With Red Bull involved, I would say that that door for that to happen is probably way more open with Project91 than it ever has been.”
This endorsement suggests that Verstappen’s entry into NASCAR could be facilitated by his strong ties with Red Bull and their commitment to Trackhouse Racing.
What Verstappen’s Entry Could Mean for NASCAR
Max Verstappen’s potential participation in the NASCAR Cup Series under Trackhouse Racing would introduce a new dimension of international talent into the sport. As NASCAR continues to seek broader global appeal, Verstappen’s crossover from Formula 1 could attract fresh audiences and increase crossover enthusiasm between different motorsport disciplines. The increasing involvement of drivers from diverse racing backgrounds through Project91 further signals NASCAR’s growing openness to global talent, potentially shaping the future landscape of the series.
