Shane van Gisbergen, a notable Kiwi speedster and Supercars icon, has voiced strong Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR criticism as the organization accelerates its international expansion, particularly into Formula 1 (F1) territories. Speaking after recent experiences on circuits typically reserved for F1, van Gisbergen’s comments throw a spotlight on the growing tension between NASCAR’s traditional American roots and its global ambitions in 2025.
NASCAR’s latest drive to broaden its reach saw the organization land in Mexico City, staging both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series at the celebrated Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This venue, best known for hosting the annual Mexico City Grand Prix in the F1 calendar, became a new battleground for drivers more accustomed to American tarmac. Among the competitors, Shane van Gisbergen emerged as a standout, but his preference for classic U.S. tracks was obvious.
NASCAR’s Global Ambitions Face Driver Pushback
Shane van Gisbergen, an 80-time victor in Supercars and celebrated Bathurst 1000 champion, made a significant personal investment by relocating from Australia with hopes to thrive in NASCAR. His journey is testament to the growing international appeal of the series—yet, despite imagery of him practicing at the Daytona International Speedway, his feedback on NASCAR’s venture into F1 landscapes has been anything but mild.
NASCAR and Formula 1 may cross paths on certain circuits, but their vehicles and styles differ greatly. As van Gisbergen pointed out, cars in the two series are built for distinct types of racing: the robust, slower stock cars perform best on tracks with broad turns and lengthy straights, while F1’s lightweight machines excel in sharp, technical corners thanks to their cornering speeds. F1 cars also require wide, smooth surfaces as any on-track contact can be race-ending; in contrast, NASCAR thrives on tight, physical competition.
The differences were made clear as van Gisbergen assessed NASCAR’s attempt at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas—a track firmly established within the F1 world. In NASCAR’s 2024 event at COTA, van Gisbergen finished 30th, improving to 6th in 2025 as his adaptation continued. Reflecting on the experience, he did not mince words:
“It does look pretty stupid at COTA when we’re off the track more than we’re on it.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
While candidly critical of the COTA race, van Gisbergen celebrated the heritage of established NASCAR road courses, like Laguna Seca and Road America, which favor stock car dynamics:
“There’s plenty of cool tracks here, like Laguna Seca or Road America, and stuff.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Even when triumphant on international circuits—such as his win in the Viva Mexico 250, where he dominated by leading 60 out of 100 laps—SVG was not without complaints about the blending of F1 and NASCAR racing philosophies. Discussing the unpredictable Mexican conditions, he stated:
“The cars just feel funky…like they just walk on the tire. It was mixed conditions there; it was a bit wet.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Van Gisbergen also detailed technical obstacles at the race, recounting how equipment issues affected his performance:
“Normally, I would push through it…The safety car came out at the end of the stage, and the tires stayed low, and I’m like, weaving, I can’t tell. The brake pedal’s long as well – it’s wrecked from the air…Every time I weaved, my pedal would go long, which means a loose wheel…Two laps after the yellow, it came right.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
These remarks underscore the technical and cultural friction stirred up by NASCAR’s strategy to mirror F1’s global model. Van Gisbergen’s criticism points toward a broader question within the sport: can NASCAR preserve its unique identity while navigating new international markets?
Champion Racer Committed to NASCAR, Despite Reservations
Despite public criticism, current evidence shows van Gisbergen isn’t distancing himself from NASCAR. Instead, he appears more engaged than ever, motivated to conquer new challenges while continuing to voice his candid perspective. Since his move to NASCAR in 2023, he’s attracted attention not only for his commanding performances on road courses—where his average running position is an impressive 3.34—but also for his struggles on traditional American ovals, where his average finish sits outside the top 25.
Van Gisbergen’s journey highlights both his strengths and weaknesses. Yet, rather than shy away from new obstacles, the Kiwi driver is actively seeking to boost his skills on unfamiliar terrain. A notable example is his participation in the 2025 Cook Out Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he opted to compete at a development level often associated with the very start of a NASCAR career. This hands-on approach reflects his commitment to mastering every aspect of the NASCAR experience.
Joining ranks with Bubba Wallace and Scott McLaughlin, van Gisbergen entered the Legends A-Main feature, a race designed for emerging talent. Defying expectations, he claimed victory by just 0.417 seconds. Reliving this competitive and educational stint, he commented on the steep learning curve—especially regarding the art of restarts and maintaining momentum even when faced with adversity:
“You learn a lot. So, you have to choose yourself. The restarts are crazy. The restarts are just like Martinsville. You know, if you choose the outside, you can gain a row, but you have to get down as quick as you can … And then also keep in your head, like if someone hits you, you can’t just snap and get angry at that guy. You’ve got to kind of get your momentum going. It’s been fun learning that.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
As van Gisbergen addresses his shortcomings on ovals, competitors in the Cup Series may soon find themselves facing an even more formidable opponent, especially if the Kiwi overcomes his current Achilles’ heel and blends his road racing dominance with oval prowess.
A Sport at a Crossroads: Identity Versus Expansion
Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR criticism encapsulates a critical moment for the sport. NASCAR’s grand vision to compete globally is transforming its event calendar and challenging long-held conventions—yet it’s clear from SVG’s perspective that not everyone is eager to see American stock car racing morph too closely with Formula 1’s standards and venues.
As the campaign for global reach accelerates, the ongoing debate centers on whether embracing international circuits will dilute what fans and drivers feel makes NASCAR special. Van Gisbergen’s outspoken advocacy for tradition, combined with his personal journey to adapt and succeed in the series, frames NASCAR’s current era as one of innovation colliding with legacy. The direction the sport takes next will not only shape its identity at home and abroad, but potentially redefine what it means to be successful in NASCAR for rising stars and established racers alike.
