A revived clip from 2011 captures NASCAR legend Tony Stewart’s reaction after swapping cars with Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton at Watkins Glen International. With the <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/cup-series/”>NASCAR Cup Series returning to Watkins Glen, Stewart’s positive remarks about Hamilton and his driving have gained renewed attention. The moment highlights Stewart’s respect for Hamilton’s skills and his experience behind the wheel of the McLaren F1 car.
The footage, originally shared on the social platform X by a user named Tatiana, showcases Stewart’s admiration. The post included the caption,
“Oh wow!! This was 14 years ago.”
During the exchange, Tony Stewart expressed how comfortable he felt driving the McLaren Mercedes MP4-23. He offered thanks to Lewis Hamilton and his McLaren team, praising Hamilton’s technical insights.
“Lew’s information is spot on, I’d be honored to have him as a teammate.”
Stewart also commented on the powerful braking system of the McLaren, emphasizing that he had heard they were excellent but didn’t expect them to perform so well. He welcomed the chance to experience the effects of high downforce again after many years competing in stock cars.
Details of the 2011 Car Swap Event at Watkins Glen
In 2011, Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton took part in a unique event titled “Car Swap at The Glen,” broadcast on the Speed channel with support from Mobil 1. This one-time occasion brought together the 2008 Formula 1 world champion and the three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner to switch vehicles for a day. Weather conditions required both drivers to run on rain tires, providing an additional challenge to the event.
Lewis Hamilton went first, driving his McLaren Mercedes MP4-23, the car he used to clinch the 2008 F1 title. Hamilton began with two cautious laps on the damp circuit before finishing with a celebratory burnout that excited the crowd. Afterward, Tony Stewart took the wheel of his No. 14 Chevrolet and completed laps on the full road course, which included the “Boot” section — a part of the track not typically raced in NASCAR Cup events, adding a fresh challenge.
Hamilton’s First NASCAR Stock Car Experience and Stewart’s Quick Adaptation
Lewis Hamilton admitted to The Express that he had never anticipated driving a NASCAR stock car until this event. Despite joking about the manual transmission and NASCAR’s reputation for frequent engine failures, he handled Stewart’s Chevrolet confidently, completing six laps and performing a burnout himself. Stewart noted that Hamilton’s burnout visibly showed how much he enjoyed the experience.
When Stewart took over Hamilton’s McLaren, he initially found it difficult to manage but quickly adapted. On the drying track surface, Stewart achieved a best lap time of 1:42, shaving eight seconds off Hamilton’s earlier wet run, an impressive feat highlighting his skill behind the wheel of a Formula 1 vehicle. Stewart called the day “the experience of a lifetime,” capturing the significance of testing such a high-performance machine.
Michael Printup, former president of Watkins Glen, described the event as unforgettable, remarking that it gave him goosebumps to hear the sound of an F1 engine back on a track with rich Formula 1 history.
Tony Stewart’s Perspective on FOX’s Entry into IndyCar Ownership
Beyond this memorable motorsport crossover, Tony Stewart recently shared his thoughts on FOX Corporation’s acquisition of a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment, which controls IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This deal, valued between $125 million and $135 million according to The Wall Street Journal, represents a significant partnership in American motorsports.
Speaking with WISH-TV, Stewart expressed his enthusiasm while noting he needed more time to fully analyze the implications. He said,
“I think it’s exciting, I don’t really haven’t had enough time to sit down and really analyse and think about it. I think it’s a big move, what that’s gonna be at the end of the day, I don’t know. But I think it’s a great opportunity for IndyCar and the Speedway to have a partner like FOX on board.”
Stewart suggested the partnership could be groundbreaking and pave the way for similar alliances if successful. He also mentioned uncertainty about whether such a deal had ever taken place before in U.S. motorsport history.
Roger Penske, who has owned IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2019, has guided substantial growth of the series. Stewart believes FOX’s involvement might enhance IndyCar’s visibility and open new doors for teams, drivers, and fans.
Significance of the Car Swap and Future Prospects in Motorsports
The 2011 car swap event between Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton remains a unique and cherished moment in motorsport, bridging two distinct racing worlds and allowing fans a rare glimpse of their favorite drivers’ versatility. Stewart’s praise for Hamilton as a teammate and driver underscores the respect shared between champions across disciplines.
As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Watkins Glen, moments like these remind audiences of the collaborative spirit and mutual admiration between racing communities. Meanwhile, Stewart’s optimistic outlook on FOX’s involvement with IndyCar signals continued evolution and potential growth in American motorsports, promising exciting developments for the future of racing.
