Kyle Larson poses with his Hendrick Motorsports car at the track.
The ongoing rivalry between Formula 1 and NASCAR has ignited passionate debates, and now Kyle Larson questions Formula 1 supremacy even as he recognizes Max Verstappen as the finest driver he has ever observed. The 2021 NASCARchampion’s recent comments have cast doubt on whether Formula 1 truly stands as the toughest arena in motorsport, challenging both its global prestige and the perceptions of skill required to compete at the top.
Larson Weighs In on Formula 1’s Renown and the Media’s Influence
Formula 1’s 2021 season averaged over 70 million viewers per race worldwide, overwhelmingly outpacing NASCAR’s viewership, which just surpassed three million per race in 2022—a significant milestone for the American series. Despite this immense popularity, Larson remains skeptical that greater viewership equates to a higher level of racing or driver caliber.
Appearing on the ‘Games With Names’ podcast, Larson addressed whether Formula 1 drivers consider themselves superior to NASCAR racers. He candidly remarked,
“I never talked to any of them, but I would imagine I feel like they probably do just because the perception and media makes it out to be that way. But then again, I don’t know.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCARChampion.
Examining the Talent Across Racing Series
Beyond mere statistics, Larson gave insight into the parallels and differences in talent across the world’s top motorsport disciplines. He brought attention to accomplished drivers who did not make it into Formula 1 yet have carved out successful careers elsewhere, notably in IndyCar and sports car racing. He shared,
Image of: Kyle Larson
“I think they probably also, you know there’s a lot of people that they probably grew up racing with that didn’t quite make it to Formula 1, that are now racing IndyCar like Alex Palou, or really a lot of guys that go to, you know, IndyCar or sports car racing,”
—Kyle Larson, NASCARChampion.
Larson acknowledged that those at the pinnacle of Formula 1 might be aware of other extremely talented peers who, due to circumstances or timing, never entered the F1 grid. He mused,
“They probably, those drivers in F1 that have made it, they probably know that they are extremely good and just didn’t like timing didn’t work out. So, I don’t know. That’s a good question. I’d think, maybe they don’t think that they are the best,”
—Kyle Larson, NASCARChampion.
Max Verstappen’s Brilliance and Larson’s F1 Aspirations
Despite his uncertainties regarding Formula 1’s position as racing’s highest test, Larson did not hesitate to commend Max Verstappen’s exceptional abilities. He stated,
“Max (Verstappen) the best, but you know, maybe some of them know that a guy like Alex Palou probably could have done just fine in Formula 1.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCARChampion.
The Americanchampion also discussed his own curiosity about Formula 1, revealing that he has never received an invitation to compete in the series. Addressing this on The Pat McAfee Show, Larson admitted,
“Never been asked to drive in F1,”
—Kyle Larson, NASCARChampion. He also noted the challenges his background presents for such a transition, saying,
“I think it’s tough coming from my background of dirt tracks and ovals.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCARChampion.
The Broader Impact of Larson’s Perspective
Kyle Larson’s candid remarks reflect a nuanced view of the rivalry between NASCAR and Formula 1, highlighting that international acclaim or viewer numbers do not necessarily define the true home of driving excellence. By questioning whether Formula 1’s reputation always aligns with the realities of competition and talent, Larson amplifies an important conversation taking place among racing fans, drivers, and those invested in professional motorsport. As drivers like Max Verstappen continue to dominate and names such as Alex Palou gain recognition in other racing circuits, the debate over which motorsport represents the ultimate challenge is set to endure for years to come.
