The motorsport world is buzzing after a spontaneous encounter between Formula One’s Max Verstappen and Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch at Salzburg Airport in Austria, reigniting interest in a possible Connor Zilisch and Max Verstappen NASCAR crossover chat. The pair’s light-hearted conversation, coming days after Verstappen’s fiery Spanish Grand Prix, has fans imagining a dramatic F1-to-NASCAR leap by one of racing’s brightest stars.
Spanish Grand Prix Sparks NASCAR Excitement
The recent Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ended in high drama. Verstappen, known for his dominance, faced mounting pressure from McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and struggled with his tire choice in the final laps. For a moment, Verstappen lost composure and intentionally bumped George Russell, earning a 10-second penalty that pushed him down to tenth place. The aggressive maneuver resonated with NASCAR enthusiasts in the United States, who energized social media by celebrating Verstappen’s “NASCAR energy.”
Shortly after, Verstappen made an appearance at a Red Bull event at Salzburg Airport, where the crossover talk truly began. While a Red Bull-backed No. 87 stock car was on display, Connor Zilisch, young Xfinity Series talent and Trackhouse Racing’s up-and-comer, found himself in casual conversation with Verstappen.
The Chat That Set Off Crossover Speculation
The two drivers exchanged friendly greetings, setting an easy tone that caught onlookers’ attention. Zilisch greeted Verstappen, who replied,
“Yeah, it’s good to see you.”
—Max Verstappen, Formula One champion. The banter grew when Verstappen asked Zilisch, “You ready?”, prompting a confident, “I think so.” The highlight came as Zilisch joked, “Wanna get in?”, referencing the stock car, and Verstappen effortlessly replied,
“I would like to do it.”
—Max Verstappen, Formula One champion.
Their brief discussion, especially Verstappen’s apparent enthusiasm, sent fans flocking to social platforms with imaginative crossover talk.
One NASCAR fan said,
“Get him in there and shut Larson tf up,”
—Fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another added,
“F1 vs. NASCAR. We would figure out who is the best driver in the world once and for all.”
—Fan on X (formerly Twitter). Some joked about Verstappen’s potential popularity:
“A Max Verstappen start in the [Project] 91 would feed families,”
—Fan on X (formerly Twitter), alluding to huge ticket sales should Verstappen join a NASCAR grid.
Why a Verstappen NASCAR Appearance Is Gaining Momentum
Connor Zilisch’s presence is far from random; he’s a Red Bull prospect signed with Trackhouse Racing, the very operation running Project 91—a program created to give international stars, like Kimi Räikkönen, the chance to compete in NASCAR. With Zilisch in the mix and Verstappen expressing genuine interest, the scenario feels increasingly possible.
The tantalizing idea of Verstappen battling the likes of Kyle Larson to finally determine the “greatest driver on Earth” is now a hot topic among fans, fueling speculation about dream matchups and international rivalries.
What Would It Take for Verstappen to Race in NASCAR?
NASCAR’s recently adopted open exemption rule paves the way for all-star appearances; Verstappen wouldn’t need to gather points or qualify through traditional means. If the champion called, organizations like Trackhouse Racing or Hendrick Motorsports would jump at the chance to field a car for him almost instantly.
The series has been increasingly embracing global superstars, positioning itself as open and adaptable. Given his assertive style and superstar status, Verstappen fits the trend, and fan demand for a Connor Zilisch and Max Verstappen NASCAR crossover chat has never been higher.
While no official commitments have been made, all eyes are now on Verstappen and Zilisch, as motorsports fans around the world wonder if this casual meeting could soon make racing history.
