A memorable exchange between Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton, highlighted by a swapped drive at Watkins Glen, is once again drawing attention online as the NASCAR Cup series returns to the New York track. The resurfaced footage captures Stewart’s high regard for Hamilton’s skills and offers fresh insights into the celebrated Tony Stewart McLaren F1 car swap from 2011.
The recently shared video clip originated on X, posted by Tatiana, who remarked,
“Oh wow!! This was 14 years ago.”
The footage showcases Stewart’s reactions after trading cars with the renowned Formula 1 champion, an event that brought together motorsport legends across racing disciplines. Stewart, known for his NASCAR achievements, praised Hamilton and the McLaren team, lauding the feedback he received from Hamilton after the swap.
“Lew’s information is spot on, I’d be honored to have him as a teammate.”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
During the swap, Stewart commented on the remarkable braking power of Hamilton’s McLaren Mercedes MP4-23. Used to NASCAR stock cars, Stewart admitted surprise at how effective the Formula 1 car’s brakes truly were, having underestimated their capabilities despite prior warnings. Additionally, the experience allowed Stewart to appreciate high downforce performance again, a sensation he had not felt since moving away from other forms of racing.
How the Iconic Car Swap Unfolded at Watkins Glen
The Tony Stewart McLaren F1 car swap took place in 2011 as part of a televised event on the Speed channel, coordinated with Mobil 1. The highly anticipated day featured Hamilton, the reigning 2008 F1 world champion, and Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series victor, coming together to exchange cars in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Watkins Glen International.
The event, known as the Car Swap at The Glen, faced challenging weather, forcing both Stewart and Hamilton to use rain tires on the wet track. Hamilton kicked things off by driving his 2008 championship-winning McLaren Mercedes MP4-23, cautiously navigating the damp surface with two warm-up laps before finishing with a crowd-pleasing burnout.
Following Hamilton’s demonstration, Stewart took out his No. 14 Chevrolet, exploring the entire Watkins Glen circuit, including the Boot segment—a section typically excluded from regular NASCAR Cup Series events. This provided fans with a chance to see Stewart handle his own machinery at full tilt before switching seats with Hamilton.
According to coverage from the Express, Hamilton expressed his surprise at piloting a genuine NASCAR stock car. Lightheartedly referencing manual gearboxes and NASCAR’s reputation for mechanical issues, Hamilton confidently drove Stewart’s Chevrolet for six laps, capping his run with his own spirited burnout for the fans. Stewart appreciated the gesture, noting it showed Hamilton was truly enjoying himself.
Tony Stewart’s turn in the McLaren began with initial adjustments as he familiarized himself with the very different handling and technology compared to his NASCAR car. Despite an uncertain start, Stewart quickly found his form and recorded a best lap time of 1:42, which was eight seconds faster than Hamilton’s earlier effort during wetter track conditions. Stewart later described the entire day as “the experience of a lifetime.” Michael Printup, former Watkins Glen president, credited the event as a thrilling throwback that brought the unmistakable sound of a Formula 1 engine back to a circuit with rich F1 heritage.
Tony Stewart Reacts to FOX’s Game-Changing IndyCar Partnership
Beyond the legacy of the Tony Stewart McLaren F1 car swap, Stewart remains an influential figure in motorsport, recently reacting to news of FOX Corporation’s partial acquisition of Penske Entertainment. The deal, worth between $125 million and $135 million according to The Wall Street Journal, grants FOX a one-third interest in both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The agreement positions FOX alongside Roger Penske, owner of the series and venue since 2019, as major stakeholders. Stewart, speaking with WISH-TV, highlighted the potential for the deal to reshape American motorsports.
“I think it’s exciting, I don’t really haven’t had enough time to sit down and really analyse and think about it. I think it’s a big move, what that’s gonna be at the end of the day, I don’t know. But I think it’s a great opportunity for IndyCar and the Speedway to have a partner like FOX on board.”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR and IndyCar Veteran
He characterized the partnership as potentially “ground-breaking” and hinted it may set a new standard for similar collaborations in the future. Stewart admitted uncertainty about whether a comparable deal had ever occurred in American racing history, underlining the significance of FOX joining forces with Penske Entertainment. He suggested the arrangement could help raise IndyCar’s profile, boost opportunities for teams and drivers, and deliver new experiences for fans across the country.
As Watkins Glen prepares for the next NASCAR Cup race, the revival of the 2011 car swap footage adds excitement and context for racing fans. The event, marked by mutual respect between Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton, continues to connect different eras and disciplines, reminding the motorsport community of the power of collaboration and shared passion.
