A Formula 1 world champion trading the tight confines of Monaco for the thunder of a NASCAR superspeedway is the kind of moment motorsport fans can’t ignore. Max Verstappen, already dominant in open-wheel racing, has dropped hints over the years about testing himself in stock cars. His recent comments have reignited fan speculation, merging the worlds of F1 precision and NASCAR grit. This crossover dream, steeped in history and rivalry, now feels closer than it has in years.
Key Highlights
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Verstappen has expressed interest in racing NASCAR, calling it a “fun challenge” and referencing simulator experience.
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Historical F1-to-NASCAR crossovers include Mario Andretti’s 1967 Daytona 500 win and Juan Pablo Montoya’s Cup Series career.
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Fan debates intensified after Kyle Larson’s claim he is a better all-around driver than Verstappen.
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Verstappen’s aggressive yet calculated driving style draws mixed opinions on how it would translate to NASCAR.
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Social media speculation exploded after a recent Verstappen quote reignited hopes for a crossover appearance.
Verstappen’s Respect for NASCAR and Its Challenge
Max Verstappen has never been shy about acknowledging NASCAR’s difficulty. In 2021, he admitted that while he would like to try it, mastering the discipline “will take quite a bit of time.” His simulator sessions in stock-car settings have offered a taste, but as he put it, “It’s not easy…you need to really grow up with it.”
His interest stems not from replacing his F1 career, but from tackling a bucket-list challenge—one that other F1 stars have embraced. Mario Andretti famously won the Daytona 500 in 1967, while Juan Pablo Montoya left open-wheel racing for a full-time NASCAR stint between 2007 and 2013, winning two Cup races.
McLaren’s Lando Norris has called himself “a massive fan of NASCAR” and Lewis Hamilton once swapped cars with Tony Stewart, noting he “would love to try [NASCAR] at some stage.” Daniel Ricciardo even drove Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s vintage #3 Chevrolet in 2021 after a Formula 1 victory.
The Fan Reaction: Excitement and Rivalry
Verstappen’s recent, casual “I mean, I would like to do it” comment sent fans into overdrive. On Reddit, one post declared, “Verstappen at Daytona would be box office gold! His aggressive style suits NASCAR perfectly.” That excitement isn’t without edge. Some see a chance to settle the lingering Kyle Larson-Verstappen debate.
Larson fueled the fire in 2024, stating, “I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver.” Larson credited his own versatility across dirt, sprint cars, and NASCAR, claiming there was “no way” Verstappen could win at Bristol or Knoxville, just as Larson himself couldn’t expect to win in F1 at Monaco. Verstappen’s calm reply—“That’s fine”—did nothing to cool the discussion.
“I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver.” – Kyle Larson
“That’s fine.” – Max Verstappen
Fans have chimed in with humor and skepticism. “The Larson fans can finally settle their claim that he is better than Max,” one user wrote, while another quipped, “Crazy thing is, he’d probably still be one of the cleaner drivers among the Cup field.”
Aggression, Clean Racing, and the NASCAR Fit
The question of Verstappen’s driving style is central to the debate. Red Bull’s former team principal Christian Horner once called his Canadian Grand Prix race “squeaky clean,” praising his restraint in wheel-to-wheel battles. Verstappen himself has said, “I am still aggressive but probably a bit cleaner [than my father].”
But incidents like the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix collision with George Russell complicate the narrative. The clash, which earned him a penalty and three license points, drew criticism from Russell, who called it “totally unnecessary,” and from Nico Rosberg, who labeled it “seriously bad.” NASCAR fans, however, often see such elbows-out aggression as part of the sport’s DNA, making some believe Verstappen could fit right in.
Sim Racing, Ovals, and the Unknown
While Verstappen’s real-world NASCAR experience is nonexistent, his simulator history is notable. He has spent hours in iRacing’s GT3 and endurance formats, winning events like the Bathurst 12-Hour alongside Lando Norris. Reports also suggest he occasionally races trucks on virtual ovals, with some fans recalling him nearly lapping the field in practice lobbies.
That virtual taste of oval racing hints at an adaptability that could carry over, but the reality of running 400 laps in a midfield car three-wide is something only the real Cup Series can offer. As one fan put it, “I would like to see it just to give some perspective to F1 fans how much different it is.”
News in Brief: Max Verstappen Stirs NASCAR Fans’ Buzz
Max Verstappen’s fresh remarks about wanting to try NASCAR have sparked a wave of fan excitement and debate. The four-time Formula 1 champion has long respected the discipline, citing simulator runs and acknowledging the steep learning curve. Past F1-to-NASCAR crossovers like Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya fuel the belief it could happen. Kyle Larson’s past claim of superiority over Verstappen continues to stir rivalry. Fans remain split on how Verstappen’s aggressive, calculated style would translate to stock cars.
ALSO READ: Kevin Harvick Sees Max Verstappen NASCAR Crossover as Likely Amid F1 Exit Rumors
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s new team?
A. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull Racing in 2026, dismissing rumors of a potential Mercedes move.
Q. Who built Verstappen’s car?
A. The Red Bull RB13 is a Formula One car built by Red Bull Racing for the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship. Driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, it debuted at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix.
