Connor Zilisch, the young NASCAR standout, has ignited speculation about a possible move to Formula 1, reviving his international ambitions as he approaches his 19th birthday. On a recent episode of Corey LaJoie’s podcast, Zilisch discussed his hopes, his Red Bull and Cadillac connections, and the possibility of leaving a promising American racing career for new challenges abroad, putting his Connor Zilisch Formula 1 aspirations in the spotlight.
His remarks arrive as the racing community weighs rumors of him being considered as a replacement for Daniel Suárez at Trackhouse Racing. As Cadillac readies its entry for the 2026 F1 season, Zilisch’s ties to both the automaker and Red Bull have further fueled talk about his potential European move.
Zilisch Weighs NASCAR Success Against Formula 1 Dreams
Zilisch surprised many on LaJoie’s “Stacking Pennies” podcast by openheartedly reflecting on the Formula 1 goal from his formative years in Europe.
“It’s always in the back of my mind. Growing up, that was my dream. I wanted to race F1,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy. LaJoie’s question about the chance to pursue enough super license points for an F1 path brought that desire into clear focus.
Though his early European karting yielded competitive experiences, Zilisch lacked the resources for a professional move to Formula 1 at that time. Now, expectations have shifted. With an American team like Cadillac formally joining F1 and the possibility of Red Bull support, Zilisch acknowledged new doors may open.
“With an American team getting brought to F1, you know, having connections with Red Bull and being kind of tied in there, I’d say the chances aren’t zero,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
Even so, the Formula 1 super license rules present a significant obstacle. Earning sufficient points would require Zilisch to compete in a series of international single-seater championships, including multiple stints in F3 and related events. He outlined the demanding schedule:
“I’d run F3 and do a bunch of BS series to get super license points… Middle East F3 and random things that you can do to get the points,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
Zilisch made clear that this kind of international campaign is only possible if his NASCAR position remains secure.
“I would want to get settled in here first and know that if I go over there for two years, I could come back and still have a job and not … be lost. I’d want to make a name for myself here and be settled in before I took the chance to go and do it,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
Zilisch’s success in ARCA and Xfinity—picking up multiple victories over two seasons—strengthens his case for stock car advancement, particularly at Trackhouse. Yet, as he admits, international ambitions linger.
“I would love to take that chance if things aren’t going the way I want here. It’s definitely in the back of my mind,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
Confidence and Experience Competing Against Top European Talents
Much of Zilisch’s belief in his ability to make the Formula 1 transition comes from earlier racing encounters with some of Europe’s most promising drivers. He specifically cited Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad, both rising stars who are now making waves in F2 and upward.
“I raced against Kimi when I was a kid. There’s another kid coming up, Arvid Lindblad. He’s raced in F2. He’s probably going to be in an F1 car next year. I’ve raced against him a bunch growing up,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
Despite his humility about past results—
“I wouldn’t say I smoked them, but I was competitive,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy—Zilisch feels that he can match the current elite.
“I could run with them. So, I think I could do it again and be competitive with those guys, and I feel like I’m good enough on the road courses that I could figure those tracks out.”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
However, Zilisch acknowledges that European racing demands cultural as well as athletic adaptation.
“Everything changes when you go to Europe. Like the language, I mean, everything, it’s unreal,”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy. Still, his enthusiasm for new experiences surpasses any worries.
“I’m not the guy who cares to win 250 races in NASCAR like Kyle Bush or care to go for a win record. I want to experience different series and different cultures.”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing prodigy.
What Zilisch’s Aspirations Could Mean for the Racing World
As the conversation around Connor Zilisch Formula 1 aspirations grows, both European and American racing fans are watching for his next moves. With his stock rising in NASCAR and unique links to both Red Bull and Cadillac’s F1 project, Zilisch stands at a pivotal junction. If he chooses to pursue a place on the Formula 1 grid, his journey could reshape American expectations for transatlantic drivers and inspire other young racers to think globally.
For now, Zilisch’s story is one of balancing ambition and pragmatism, weighing his rising profile in motorsports against the demands and allure of a Formula 1 dream cultivated years ago. As the 2026 F1 season approaches and team rosters evolve, the motorsport world will be watching to see if Zilisch decides to turn his lifelong hope into reality—or if NASCAR’s promise of stability and competition convinces him to stay stateside just a little longer.
