Kyle Larson, a standout in the racing community, has addressed the ongoing “greatest driver in the world debate,” which has intensified as he continues to showcase his skills across NASCAR, sprint cars, and IndyCar. Speaking recently, Larson shared his thoughts on how fans and the public have compared him to motorsport legends and placed the “greatest driver” label on him, though he remains focused on achieving even more in his career.
Larson Weighs In On His Status Among Racing Legends
Throughout his career, Kyle Larson has consistently been recognized for his versatility and dominance behind the wheel, winning numerous races and drawing comparisons to famous drivers like Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Mario Andretti, and AJ Foyt. Despite this widespread praise, Larson has clarified his own views regarding these accolades:
“Well, I, although the public thinks that I think that, I don’t necessarily think that I’m the greatest in the world,”
—Kyle Larson, Prime Video
“But, no, I’ve heard the accolades and the comments and all that for a long, long time, and being compared to Jeff [Gordon] or Tony [Stewart] or even sometimes Mario [Andretti] and AJ Foyt, guys like that, and it makes me feel really good. But I’m still, I’m only 32 and I’ve got a lot of racing left to do, and I hope I can accomplish a lot more to really feel like I’m deserving of that credit, but I do appreciate it and it just makes me kind of have more drive to try and live up to that hype, I guess.”
—Kyle Larson, Prime Video
This honest reflection comes as the debate over who should hold the title of motorsport’s top driver remains lively, with some pitting Larson against Formula 1 legend Max Verstappen. Last year, Larson expressed his belief in his versatility as a driver, distinguishing this from claiming to be the outright greatest. He continues to approach each race calmly, letting his consistent performance speak for itself.
Unfinished Business: Larson’s Ambition For More Success
While Larson has established himself as one of NASCAR’s elite, a second Cup Series championship has yet to materialize. Recently, he has attempted to compete in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600—the demanding “Double”—further demonstrating his willingness to challenge himself, even if it has affected his results in some eyes. He has nonetheless turned heads with his performances in IndyCar competition, reinforcing his broad talent base.
At just 32, Larson races for Hendrick Motorsports and is entering what many consider a driver’s prime years. Unlike some athletes who peak early, race drivers can stay competitive far into their forties—and sometimes even beyond. Examples like Denny Hamlin, still taking checkered flags at 44, as well as Harry Gant and Mark Martin, who enjoyed winning well into their fifties, illustrate what longevity could look like for Larson. With potentially over a decade of elite driving ahead, there is still tremendous opportunity for him to build on his reputation.
Larson’s Future Goals and the Legacy Question
Should Kyle Larson choose to seek new challenges outside of NASCAR, it would not be surprising. He has openly considered exploring series like the V8 Supercars and high-profile endurance events such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The idea of at least a practice run in a Formula 1 car is a tempting prospect for Larson and many of his supporters.
Historically, icons like Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt solidified their places in history with successful efforts across diverse racing disciplines, including part-time entries in other categories. Larson seems keen to embrace that tradition. He remains passionate about dirt racing and has no intention of stepping away from the tracks any time soon. Still, just as he acknowledged, he feels he has much more to accomplish before truly accepting the title of the sport’s best.
What Awaits In The Ongoing Debate
Kyle Larson’s self-awareness and hunger for progress have only increased the passion surrounding conversations about the “greatest driver in the world debate.”
As the motorsports world continues to discuss his place among the likes of Gordon, Stewart, Andretti, Foyt, and even modern stars like Max Verstappen, all eyes are on what chapters he will write next. With many competitive years ahead, Larson’s legacy is still unfolding, and the world of racing will be watching as he continues to pursue greatness behind the wheel.
